December 11, 2012 -- Compass Oncology, the region’s largest independent, multidisciplinary oncology and hematology practice, has completed installation on the first, 160 Leaf LINAC in the region. Developed by Elekta, a global leader in external beam radiation technology, the Infinity™ provides a state-of-the-art solution for meeting the demands of today’s complex radiation therapies.
“Approximately 60% of all cancer patients are treated with radiation therapy at some point during their care,” said Dr. Gregory Patton, radiation oncologist and Compass Oncology practice president. “Compass is pleased to bring this important technological advance to our patients. The new LINAC delivers the broadest spectrum of therapies with extreme precision for superior treatment planning.”
Linear accelerators generate radiation by accelerating electrons to produce x-rays or gamma rays. Radiation destroys the cancer cells’ ability to reproduce and they die. Collimators are devices that help shape the radiation beam to conform to the size of the tumor. The development of a 160 leaf collimator is significant. It provides pinpoint accuracy, enabling higher treatment doses with tighter margins, fewer side effects, and better outcomes. Built-in, real-time leaf monitoring and position systems optimize patient safety, and exam times are dramatically faster as radiation beams sweep in an uninterrupted arc around the patient.
The Elekta Infinity™, now operational at Compass Oncology’s Rose Quarter facility, is the first of two units acquired by the multidisciplinary oncology practice. The second LINAC is scheduled to be installed at Compass Oncology’s Vancouver center in early 2013.
The First 160 Leaf Linear Accelerator (LINAC) West of the Mississippi is Now Operational at Compass Oncology
December 11, 2012
