N.Y. radiation oncology practice deploys Varian RapidArc technology

Radiation Oncology Associates of New York is now delivering image-guided intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) to its patients using RapidArc radiotherapy technology from Varian Medical Systems.

“RapidArc enables us to quickly deliver IMRT treatments that are designed to target tumors and malignancies very precisely while dramatically reducing the exposure of surrounding tissues,” said Shawn Zimberg, MD, medical director at Radiation Oncology.

Two patients, a 65-year-old banker with early stage prostate cancer and a 77-year-old retired attorney with locally advanced prostate cancer, have begun receiving RapidArc treatments that are delivered in less than two minutes, according to the Palo Alto, Calif.-based Varian.

"Studies have shown that the prostate position can shift by up to several millimeters during a long treatment session as neighboring organs such as the bladder constantly change their volume. By completing each treatment more quickly, we make it less likely that tumor or organ motion will affect the accuracy of our treatments,” Zimberg explained.

The N.Y. radiation oncology practice will change its name to Advanced Radiation Centers of New York in August.

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