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The Trinitas Comprehensive Cancer Center is located at our Williamson
St. Campus.
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CONE-BEAM CT IMAGING TECHNOLOGY NOW AT TRINITAS
Trinitas Comprehensive Cancer Center integrates new 3D technology for greater
success in finding and treating cancer by pinpointing exact location and shape
of tumors in 3D
Doctors at Trinitas Comprehensive Cancer Center now have access to an advanced,
three-dimensional imaging process that can pinpoint the exact size, shape and
location of tumors, thus allowing them to target radiation therapy with even
greater precision.
The 3-D imaging technology, called Cone-Beam Computed Tomography, was recently
added to the Center's new Trilogy Linear Accelerator, which delivers radiation
therapy to cancer patients. It differs from traditional Computed Tomography, or
CT, imaging by producing a complete three-dimensional image of a tumor, rather
than a flat, two-dimensional image.
"Our new Cone-Beam CT imaging system allows us pinpoint the exact location and
dimensions of the tumor so we can direct the radiation therapy to even small
tumors with greater precision. Any damage to neighboring healthy tissue is
absolutely minimized," said Dr. Eli Finkelstein, chairman of radiation oncology
at Trinitas Comprehensive Cancer Center.
The Cone-Beam CT system is part of the On-Board Imaging (OBI) technology that is
mounted directly on the Trilogy Linear Accelerator. Cone Beam CT produces a
highly accurate image of the tumor for final patient positioning and possible
dose adjustments immediately before the accelerator delivers the radiation
therapy. Since the pre-treatment CT imaging and the radiotherapy treatment are
both done on the Trilogy, the patient does not need to be move from a CT room or
department to a separate area for radiotherapy treatment. Completing both steps
on one machine enhances the patient experience by reducing overall processing
time and assuring treatment accuracy. "To effectively treat cancer, we need to
know if the tumor has moved even the slightest amount prior to treatment," said
Dr. Finkelstein. "Integrating the Cone-Beam CT technology with the linear
accelerator gives us that capability." Trinitas is the only Cancer Center in New
Jersey with this advanced Trilogy Linear Accelerator.
Cone-Beam CT images are created by continually generating x-ray images while
rotating the imaging mechanism 360 degrees around the patient. By rotating the
beam around the targeted region making an image every few degrees, the tumor can
be observed from many angles. Then, with the help of advanced image
reconstruction software, the tumor can be viewed in 3-D at high resolution. With
highly accurate images of the tumor generated just prior to treatment, the
doctors can adjust the radiation treatment beam to fit exactly the shape of the
tumor, and thus minimize damage to nearby organs.
"This capability represents a significant advance in cancer treatment, and we
are very proud to be among the first cancer centers in New Jersey to be using
it," said Gary S. Horan, FACHE, president and CEO of Trinitas Hospital. "Our
goal is to improve the precision and effectiveness of cancer treatment by giving
doctors exactly what they need to deliver the best possible care for each and
every patient."