Reimagining Cancer Treatment

These state-of-the-art advancements in cancer treatment provide patients with shorter and more effective treatment regimens while minimizing the risk of side effects. Radiation oncologist Neha Bhooshan, MD, breaks down how new technology can improve the patient experience.

Q: What is radiation oncology?

Dr. Bhooshan: Radiation oncology is a specialized type of targeted cancer treatment used to destroy cancer cells through radiation. It works by targeting the DNA within the cancer cells, stopping them from multiplying and causing the cells to die. This is one of many different treatments available for cancer.

Q: What treatments are available at the Aquilino Cancer Center?

Dr. Bhooshan: At the Aquilino Cancer Center, all our treatments use the Varian TrueBeam®, the most advanced treatment machine and cutting-edge system for photon radiation therapy.

Photon radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation beams to target a specific area of the body and kill the cancerous cells in that area. These are the same X-rays that are utilized in diagnostic imaging but used at a higher energy level to ensure effective treatment for cancerous growths. This summer, an additional treatment machine, Halcyon, will be available providing another option for efficient and high-quality treatments to patients.

Q: How has treatment advanced?

Dr. Bhooshan: Radiation treatment has become more precise, allowing cancerous cells to be targeted directly while avoiding healthy, normal tissue located around the cancer. The machine and equipment we use allow the radiologist to target the precise location of the cancer, limiting the amount of healthy tissue that is destroyed. It ensures a more accurate setup every day, so the treatments are faster, and we have more confidence that the radiation is going where it’s supposed to go. Specifically for breast cancer patients, the machines provide the ability to utilize deep inspiration breath hold and have prone position capabilities to protect the heart and lungs from radiation.

Q: How does this improve patient care?

Dr. Bhooshan: Not only are treatments more targeted and effective, but it also creates an improved patient experience. Some of the advantages patients can expect are:

• Tattooless treatment, eliminating the need for permanent markers of their treatment journey
• Limited side effects, for a smoother experience during and after treatment
• Tailored approaches to radiation therapy that account for their unique needs

Overall, as treatment options continue to advance, they will have fewer side effects on patients. Even now, there are better cure rates and survival rates, and people are able to enjoy life during and after cancer treatment. Quality of life after treatment has improved because post-treatment side effects are minimal, giving patients more time to focus on healing.

Visit our website to learn more about radiation oncology and find a doctor near you.