Benefis Healthcare Sletten Cancer Institute | Medical Specialties: Radiation Oncology

Technology

Sletten Cancer Institute offers the most sophisticated methods of delivering radiation therapy, including:

Cyberknife® Radiosurgery is the latest technology used to track and destroy both malignant tumors and benign conditions which previously could not be removed surgically or otherwise treated effectively. CyberKnife® uses the most sophisticated combination of robotics and computer-aided technology available today. If the patient moves, the CyberKnife® automatically detects and compensates for the change, ensuring the radiation is accurately targeted to the tumor location throughout treatment. Its robotic arm focuses only on the cancer tissue and can attack malignant and benign tumors from over 1,200 different angles.

Sletten Cancer Institute is the first center in Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, North and South Dakota and Utah to offer this technology.

Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) is the most advanced form of external beam radiation therapy. IMRT allows physicians to precisely target the tumor and deliver higher doses of radiation, sparing healthy tissue and lessening the side effects of treatment. IMRT can deliver several radiation beams to the tumor at one time. IMRT is a common treatment for patients with prostate, breast, lung, cervical, endometrial and head and neck cancers.

Dynamic multi-leaf collimator (DMLC) is a part of the linear accelerator, a machine that creates high-energy radiation using electricity. This treatment option uses metal "leaves" to alter the intensity of radiation beams. Calculating the size of the space between the leaves and how long they remain open regulates the beam intensity. Next, by visualizing the shape and location of the tumor, your radiation oncology team can determine the required beam angles for treatment. This process allows a lethal dose of radiation to be delivered to the tumor, while protecting nearby critical organs.

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Digital Portal Imaging is another capability of the linear accelerator and is used to verify position during treatment.

Ultrasound Guided Targeting (BAT) Due to the high doses of radiation delivered during IMRT, it is crucial to accurately targeting the tumor each day of treatment. BAT allows the technology to automatically correct for small changes in the location of the tumor between treatments. Small adjustments are made prior to each treatment.

Brachytherapy is a form of internal beam radiation achieved by delivering radioactive sources directly into the tumor.

Informatics Electronic Medical Record – the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) replaces paper patient files, increasing patient safety and confidentially and a better flow of communication between healthcare professionals. EMR allows for real-time laboratory results, dictated physician notes, and other critical information to help the physician or clinical team make informed medical decisions anywhere, anytime.

Digital Imaging (PACS)
Record and Verify
Quality Assurance

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