TECHNOLOGY AND TECHNIQUES
Coastal Radiation Oncology provides world-class, state-of-the-art cancer treatment and techniques for local access to the best cancer therapy and treatment available.
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Linear Accelerators are the primary piece of treatment equipment used in every Coastal Radiation Oncology Treatment Center. Linear accelerators, or “linacs,” deliver non-invasive external beam radiation therapy by producing high energy x-rays or electrons that destroy cancer cells while sparing the surrounding normal tissue.
Our Commitment to Safety
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Coastal Radiation Oncology is proud to have some of the nation’s leading American Board of Radiology certified medical physicists working at our centers. Our medical physics staff ensures that all of our advanced technologies work properly, reliably and safely. In addition to maintaining the safety of our equipment, our expert medical physicists also work closely with our team of radiation therapy experts to ensure that every treatment is safe and custom tailored to the needs of each patient.
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At Coastal Radiation Oncology, we hold ourselves to a level of safety that adheres to or goes beyond industry standards to give our patients the best possible treatment and peace of mind.
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To learn more about industry safety standards, please visit the websites for the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) or the American College of Radiation Oncology (ACRO)
TomoTherapy
TomoTherapy® system is an all-in-one system that lets your treatment team scan and treat with a single piece of equipment that physically revolves around you. TomoTherapy® is the only radiation therapy system designed on a CT scanner foundation. Daily imaging before each treatment allows your clinician to adjust treatment for even the smallest changes in the size, shape, and location of tumors. TomoTherapy® provides highly precise targeting and attacking of cancer cells. Advanced image-guided, Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) delivered from 360 degrees around you. Radiation is delivered via thousands of little “beamlets” coming from all angles. The flexibility and function of TomoTherapy increases control in delivering radiation where it needs to be while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues and organs. It can be adapted at any point to best deliver treatment, ensuring the right dosage in the right place at the right time. Thus ensuring your doctor is able to effectively treat hard-to-reach and complex tumors.
Gel Spacer (Prostate Cancer)
Coastal Radiation Oncology is pleased to be able to offer precise radiation therapy for patients with prostate cancer while using a temporary gel spacer between the prostate and rectum. This gel substance is called SpaceOAR and is inserted at the time fiducial (metal) markers are placed inside the prostate by either your urologist or radiation oncologist. The duration of the gel spacer is approximately 3 months which is the perfect amount of time for the radiation planning and delivery. The Gel Spacer is primarily used for men with early-stage prostate cancer who do not have many urinary issues prior to treatment. By creating more space between the prostate and rectum, patients can enjoy a better quality of life long-term because there is less chance of irritation to the front part of the rectum.
For more information about this product, please visit: www.spaceoar.com
Gamma Knife
Gamma Knife® is a noninvasive form of radiosurgery recognized worldwide as the preferred treatment for specific types of lesions, tumors, or conditions that affect the brain. The Gamma Knife® uses computerized data from CT scans, MRI's or others imaging tests to identify the areas within the brain that will be treated with the multiple beams of gamma radiation. Gamma Knife® can treat deep within the brain, close to nerves, arteries, or other vital structure, as well as multiple locations in the brain often in a single session. Additionally, Gamma Knife® is an excellent option for patients whose medical conditions might make the physical trauma of traditional surgery impossible or risky.
LDR Brachytherapy
LDR Brachytherapy The traditional form of brachytherapy is where a group of small radiation sources are placed inside of or next to a tumor. These small sources or “seeds” give out radiation dose at a slow rate over a period of several days to weeks or even months. This type of treatment is called Low Dose Rate (LDR) brachytherapy and is commonly used in the treatment of prostate cancers and also melanomas of the eye. LDR brachytherapy is commonly performed by two doctors at once, a surgeon and a radiation oncologist. Because the radiation dose is given off a small amount at a time, the radiation seeds typically stay inside the body permanently. Over time, they lose their radioactivity and eventually become inert tiny pieces of metal. It is important that this procedure be performed by a doctor with special training in this procedure. Coastal Radiation Oncology offers LDR Brachytherapy for Prostate cancer through its Ventura office.
*Consult your physician to determine appropriate treatment technique and location*