WINFIELD, Ill., Aug. 8, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Nuclear Oncology Medical Care, DuPage Oncology Center in Winfield became the first cancer center in Illinois to install the new AccuBoost System for image-guided treatment of breast cancer. Following the installation on August 8th the system was used to treat their first patient.
After selecting breast conserving treatment, 76-year old Mrs. G. Miller is the first in Illinois to undergo a site-specific radiation procedure, called AccuBoost. The treatment, performed in sessions over 8 days, is designed to deliver focused radiation to the lumpectomy cavity while minimizing the unintended exposure to the heart and lungs.
"This non-invasive, real time image-guided treatment ensures better targeting of the lumpectomy cavity and makes it possible to see what you treat and treat what you see," said DuPage Oncology Center Radiation Oncologist, Dr. Dennis Galinsky. Dr. Galinsky continued, "Mrs. Miller was an ideal candidate for this procedure due to the location and staging of her cancer."
Dr. Anantha Murthy, Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology at Rush Medical College and DuPage Oncology Center said, "When I saw this system at the recent American Brachytherapy Society meeting, I knew we needed to make it available to our patients. Targeting the boost dose has always been a challenge; this system solves the problem."
"Typically delivered prior to the main external beam breast irradiation, AccuBoost is presently used as a replacement for the electron boost that normally would follow the standard treatment," says DuPage Oncology Center's Chief of Medical Physics, Dr. Mohamed Hamadeh. "The breast is immobilized and imaged in a manner similar to mammography allowing a special applicator to be positioned, delivering the radiation with far better accuracy."
"We are pleased to announce the installation and first use of the AccuBoost procedure at DuPage Oncology Center. We chose DuPage Oncology Center as the first site in Illinois because of their reputation and expertise," stated Piran Sioshansi, Ph.D. President and CEO of Advanced Radiation Therapy.
Bruce Taylor, NREMT-P, Vice President, Marketing & Business Development said, "AccuBoost can be used either as the boost phase of Whole Breast Irradiation (WBI) or for 5-day Partial Breast Irradiation (PBI). It is the only system that allows non-invasive use of the High Dose Rate (HDR) source for treatment of breast cancer. Prior to AccuBoost, PBI was performed via an invasive technique of employing multiple protruding catheters or with inflatable balloon devices implanted into the breast."
Patients wanting additional information can find it at www.AccuBoost.com or may contact DuPage Oncology Center at 630-690-3400.
Video B roll from earlier treatment is Available. The treatment of this patient will continue until Tuesday August 14th. Video crews are welcome to attend a treatment. DuPage Oncology Center is located at 126 North Winfield Road, Winfield, IL 60190.
The AccuBoost(tm) logo is available at http://www.primenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=3939