At PeaceHealth we are always refining radiation oncology treatment methods to deliver the highest-quality patient care possible.  Our equipment includes the latest strategies to treat tumors aggressively, while reducing or eliminating some of the side effects that accompany radiation treatment. 

Radiation Therapy is the use of targeting, penetrating rays of energy to destroy cancer cells.  Several types of radiation therapy are available, depending on the needs of a specific patient.
 
 

• Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT): A powerful new tool that delivers radiation more accurately and effectively to tumors located in the head, neck, prostate, chest and other locations.  IMRT conforms the beams to match the irregular shapes of tumors, but it also changes the shape of each beam and modulates the dose intensity during treatment.  IMRT minimizes the side effects the patent experience.  New technologies double team cancer (PDF)
   
• Dynamic Multi-Leaf Collimator (DMLC): A device that uses metal "leaves" to move the intensity of radiation beams.  By visualizing the shape and location of the tumor radiation dosimetrists can determine the beam angles for treatment.  This delivers a lethal dose to the tumor, while protecting nearby critical organs. 
   
• 3-D Conformal External Beam Therapy: A form of radiation therapy that utilizes computerized technology to map a tumor's location so the radiation therapy can more accurately treat the tumor and minimize side effects to the surrounding tissues. 
   
• Prostate Seed Implants: Using ultrasound dozens of tiny "seeds" containing Radioactive Iodine (I-125) are placed a the tumor site.  These seeds are positioned for maximum effect on the tumor, while sparing the urethra, bladder, and nearby organs.  The radiation oncologist partner with the urologist to perform this procedure.
   
• Brachytherapy: A form of radiation where radioactive material is placed within the body in direct contact with the affected area, allowing more radiation to be given safely and resulting in a much shorter and more convenient course of treatment. 
   
• CT-Virtual Simulation: Using a computerized axial tomography scanning machine a CAT scan is used to customize the radiation treatments for each individual patient.
   
• Digital Portal Imaging: This type of imaging allows for real-time viewing of radiotherapy images, which help radiation oncologist position the patient by tacking their movements, and to design blocks for protection of healthy tissues. Images can be viewed on at a time, superimposed, or in a movie sync for optimum treatment planning.