There have been significant advances in the field of radiation therapy for cancer patients over the past decade. One key ingredient has been the integration of sophisticated imaging methods into radiation treatment delivery and treatment planning systems. Radiation is traditionally delivered with x-rays pointed at a specific location in order to damage cancer cells; however, often times there are healthy neighboring tissues that consequentially receive some impact resulting in a long daily 6-7 week treatment course and potential side effects.

At VMOC, we are proud to offer new advancements in highly precise radiation therapy that have made the process much shorter and thus much less grueling for patients. We have partnered with renowned physicians at Western Radiation Oncology, Inc (WRO) to bring state-of-the-art, minimally-invasive, targeted radiation procedures to our Regional Cancer Center. One such advance is with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) with daily image-guidance (IGRT) which allows unprecedented accuracy and verification of the target immediately prior to radiation delivery. This is being routinely used for lung, GI, prostate and other pelvic cancers.

Dr. Robert Sinha heads the stereotactic radiosurgery program for brain and spinal tumors in which non-invasive precision beams are delivered in combination or as a replacement for neurosurgery. Dr Steve Kurtzman offers strong experience in real-time intraoperative permanent prostate seed therapy, which studies have shown, is equivalent in outcomes to a radical prostatectomy (surgical removal) with less side effects. We will launch our HDR breast brachytherapy program under the leadership of nationally-recognized Dr. Rakesh Patel, which offers an innovative 5-day alternative to six weeks of daily radiation for early stage breast cancer patients by treating with a radioactive pellet placed temporarily inside the breast. Each of these highly targeted techniques focus on the high-risk areas while sparing the healthy tissues. Many clinical studies have shown excellent outcomes with fewer side effects and better quality of life. The center provides all aspects of radiation oncology care in a healing and supportive environment. With the addition of these targeted techniques at the Regional Cancer Center at Valley Care, we can also offer services that were previously available only at major universities.