918-458-2492 | call us
NORTHEAST OKLAHOMA
CANCER CENTER
fighting with you.
Conventional Radiation Therapy
Traditional radiation therapy has been supplanted in recent years by higher technology solutions that can better target the cancer while sparing normal uninvolved tissues. However, it remains valuable in certain situations. It can be started rapidly (even on the day of the first office visit). It is often short in duration (even a single 10 minute treatment). It is also highly effective for relief of pain and other symptoms, often far superior to medications that must be taken an an ongoing basis with associated side effects. This treatment can have few side effects and is very cost effective.
3-Dimensional Conformal Radiotherapy
This technology uses imaging studies such as CT, MRI, or PET scanning to accurately localize cancer targets in the body, while using computer graphic projections to precisely avoid healthy organs and tissues to spare them any ill-effects of treatment. The 3D conformal process starts with a CT scan in the cancer center, often with the use of positioning devices to assure accurate body position for precise targeting. After the CT is obtained it is transferred to powerful computer workstations with 3D graphics capability. The radiation oncologist then evaluates various radiation beam angles and orientations on the computer software, along with filters and radiation beam blocking devices to achieve the optimal treatment technique. The technique is then implemented on the treatment machine (a linear accelerator manufactured by Varian Corporation in California). The technical details of the treatment technique are transferred electronically from the planning computer to the treatment machine such that only the physician-approved technique is possible to deliver. This quality control method improves safety and efficacy of the treatment. The end result is a safe, effective, accurate therapy with low risk of side effects. It is useful in many situations, particularly breast cancer.
Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) & Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT)
These are amongst the highest technology solutions available. They follow the same general approach as 3-Dimensional Conformal Radiotherapy, but take advantage of the latest computer power and treatment machine capabilities. In the right circumstances, this technology can further focus radiation treatment into the cancer target and further reduce any radiation exposure of uninvolved areas. It does this by using multiple cross firing radiation beams, and each beam is further subdivided into multiple “beamlets” of varying intensity. This is a highly complex arrangement made possible by the computing power of modern radiation oncology planning systems, coupled with radiation beams that can change shape during treatment.
​
Due to the complexity and highly focused nature of this treatment, successful outcomes are dependent upon accurately delivering the treatment. To achieve this, our Varian linear accelerator is equipped with built-in image guidance systems. Currently there are two common types of image guidance systems, KV x-ray and cone beam CT scanning. Our unit has both systems, allowing us to select the optimal system for the particular case. These guidance systems allow the therapists and the radiation oncologist to actually “see what we are aiming at” deep inside the body. Collectively this is known as Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT).
​
The combination of all of these technologies represents a significant advance in the delivery of radiation treatment with maximal effectiveness and minimal side effects. Often there are no noticeable side effects experienced by the patient.This therapy is utilized for many diagnoses, including lung cancer, prostate cancer, head and neck cancer, and brain tumors.
Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) &
Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS)
These are the newest technologies of radiation treatment . They are similar to IMRT but utilize even smaller caliber radiation beams and real-time image guidance along with immobilization devices to reduce or prevent motion during targeting and treatment.
Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) is accomplished using the cone-beam CT image guidance system on the linear accelerator, with scanning immediately prior to each treatment beam. Abdominal compression or other techniques are used to reduce the impact of respiratory motion (movement due to breathing) for many tumors such as lung and liver. Because of the precision of these techniques, treatment courses can be shorter than typically required for other techniques. In addition, large effective doses can safely be delivered to the tumor without side effects.
Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is a similar technique that can be delivered in a single treatment. Our medical director, Dr. Willison, has over 10 years of experience with this technique, utilizing the Cyberknife Robotic Radiosurgery System. He has successfully treated thousands of patients with this system. When this is the appropriate therapy, Dr. Willison will treat patients in Tulsa at Oklahoma Cyberknife. Since only a single treatment is often required, the inconvenience of travel is not the issue that it would be for a more protracted course of therapy.