New technology available to fight cancer | Local news

According to oncologists Geoffrey Martin and Satish Shah, this versatile machine offers image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), and RapidArc radiation therapy technology.

PCSRI, located at 20 Expedition Trail, Suite 101 in Gettysburg, offers “the latest advanced radiation therapy technology, sometimes called stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) or stereotactic body radiation therapy (SABR).”

Radiation oncologist Martin said the new machine replaces an aging 16-year-old machine that provides more precise, faster radiation therapy and can treat all types of cancer anywhere in the body. It is said that it can be treated.

“This technology is not anywhere within 20 miles,” said Shah, chief executive officer and medical oncologist. “We have invested time, effort and money to provide this service. We want to gain an edge in cancer care.”

In the past, doctors had to refer patients to other cancer centers such as Baltimore, York, and Hershey for treatment.

The distance traveled was considerable, Martin said, especially since patients had to attend multiple appointments, imposing a “huge burden” on them.

Shah said they are now able to help these patients on a faster timeline.

“They don’t have to wait six weeks for an appointment,” says Shah. “Then cancer doesn’t grow. We can provide efficient and timely care for patients in this area.”

According to Shah, the Varian TrueBeam Linear Accelerator not only saves patient travel time, it shortens treatment duration.

The new technology is much faster for patients at the table, so they don’t have to worry about interrupting their work hours, Shah said.

“It used to take 45 minutes on the old machine, now it’s less than 10 minutes,” says Martin.

Earlier technology, introduced in 2006, ran into problems and could break down and require repair by engineers, Shah said. If a repair needed parts, it could take a day or he could take a week, says Shah.

“We are not afraid to introduce technology,” Shah said. “We know patients need better technology.”

Shah said he invested millions in cutting-edge cancer treatments because he felt the need here in Adams County.

Shah said the new equipment was installed and has been in use for the past two months.

“We can treat patients faster,” says Shah. “Patients are happy. That’s the most important part.”

According to Martin, the new tool uses 25 percent less X-ray dose than other image-guided techniques in cone-beam CT scans, exposing patients to even less radiation.

Martin says it’s a “win-win for the treatment team and the patient” in that it avoids over-radiating the patient.

“With this particular machine, we can see where the tumor is and how much it shrinks over the course of the day,” Shah added.

The CT scan capability will allow the treatment team to confirm that the radiation is properly targeting the tumor and to monitor the progress of treatment, Martin said.

“It really enhances our ability to not only treat, but provide excellent patient care,” Martin said.

For both doctors, the best part of their job is telling their patients the good news about their treatment.

“When you see them happy, spend time with their family, and tell you what a difference you’ve made in their lives, that’s the key,” Shah said.

As a professional, patients are often referred to his office by primary care physicians and other doctors, Shah said. However, everyone is welcome and no introduction is required, Shah said.

“Many patients come to us for a second opinion,” Shah added. “We believe patients have a choice.”

For more information about this technology or PCSRI, please call extension 717-334-4033. 121 or 222.