iLogicTM
Electromagnetic Navigation BronchoscopyTM (iLogic ENB)
The latest generation
lung diagnostic technology now enables pulmonary physicians to reach tiny
lesions deep within the small airways in a minimally invasive way. ENB uses CT
scans to create a high-definition 3-D bronchial tree to accurately navigate to
the smallest of lesions, secure a tissue sample, and implant a small marker.
The marker can later be used to track tumor movement in real time during
treatment, helping to reduce normal tissue exposure. Traditionally, lung biopsy
required an invasive needle procedure that carried high risk of lung collapse
and extreme exposure to X-ray. This breakthrough technology enables earlier
lung cancer detection, noninvasive tissue sampling, reduced radiation risk and
superior targeting.
Positron
Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT scan)
PET/CT scans merge
metabolic detection with computerized imaging to precisely identify problem
areas in the body. PET provides the metabolic information, and CT
simultaneously takes multiple images to create a map of the body. This helps
pinpoint the location of cancerous tumors or metabolic activity in the brain.
Intensity Modulation Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
The most precise form of external radiation therapy, IMRT is an advanced
form of 3-D conformal radiation, which uses computer-generated, 3-D images to vary
the shape and intensity of the radiation that is delivered directly to the
tumor. IMRT helps destroy cancer cells while sparing the surrounding healthy
tissue.
Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT)
Patients and their organs move, which means the tumor is also moving. This
motion can result in the radiation beam missing its target. IGRT is currently
the most advanced method to evaluate and correct for this motion. All patients
undergo a CT scan as part of the planning process. The information from the CT
scan is then transmitted to a computer in the treatment room, where the
radiation oncologist is able to compare the earlier image with images taken
just before treatment to see if the treatment needs to be adjusted. If the
tumor has shifted, the radiation beams can then be corrected before the
radiation treatment. This allows doctors to better target the tumor while
avoiding surrounding healthy tissue.
Contura™ Multi-Lumen Balloon Brachytherapy
Contura delivers internally targeted radiation in only five days, compared
to traditional treatment every day for six to seven weeks. This breast
brachytherapy delivers radiation only to the breast tissue surrounding the
lumpectomy site, rather than to the entire breast. Contura allows the radiation
“seed” to be placed within the lumpectomy site through five separate “lumens”
or channels, not just a single channel as in previous balloon brachytherapy.
This allows the radiation dose to be shaped or “contoured” to the targeted
area.
MammoSite®
Some women diagnosed with early stage breast cancer may be candidates for
MammoSite. A quick and accurate radiation treatment after lumpectomy, this
balloon catheter technique allows qualified patients to complete radiation
therapy in one week compared to the typical course of six to seven weeks.
Syed Template
Syed applicators provide effective, high-dose treatments to extensive
cervical cancers. These applicators are used to treat patients with advanced
cervical cancer extending to the pelvic sidewalls. A series of flexible catheters
are implanted in the patient for a short period of time, enabling radiation
sources to target the tumor. This internal placement of radiation allows a much
higher dose of treatment to be delivered to any extensive residual tumor than
would be possible with external-beam radiation alone.
High-Dose Radiation (HDR) Brachytherapy
HDR brachytherapy enables the radiation oncologist to place a small but
powerful radiation source next to the patient's tumor site though a very thin
tube. HDR is used to shrink the tumor without affecting the vital healthy
tissues that surround it. The insertion, removal and dose applied by the tiny
source is all computer controlled.
External-Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT)
External-beam radiation therapy is generally delivered in the form of
either X-rays (photons) or electrons. This therapy can be used to treat cancer
that lies deep in the body or close to the skin surface, adjusting the energy
of the beam accordingly.
Triple-Energy Linear Accelerator
Linear accelerators deliver a uniform dose of high-energy X-ray to the
tumor, destroying the cancer cells while sparing the surrounding normal tissue.
Our Elekta Synergy linear accelerator offers the most advanced clinical
capabilities in the industry today. Its advantages include high-precision,
high-energy radiation beams focused accurately on the tumor without damaging
surrounding tissues. This technique minimizes uncertainties that can occur due
to organ movement or change, or slight differences in patient set-up.
Multileaf Collimator
Our computer-controlled multileaf collimator accurately designs the size
and shape of a radiation beam to conform to the tumor during the treatment
planning process. Individually adjusted metal leaves vary beam intensity by
blocking and filtering to protect healthy tissue and ensure precise
distribution of radiation therapy.
CT Simulator
CT simulation transmits X-rays through tissue to create a graphic display
of the tumor and surrounding normal tissue. Using a high-speed, high-capacity
computer, the CT simulator helps physicians understand the complex relationship
between healthy and cancerous tissues. The information is recorded, analyzed
and used to design an optimal treatment plan.
Laboratory Medicine
The Pathology and Laboratory Medicine staff at Memorial Hermann Southeast
includes specialists in all areas of anatomic and clinical pathology. They are
experienced in cancer diagnosis, as well as evaluating and responding to other
medical problems, including infection and effects of treatment. Pathology
services include autoimmune testing, coagulation, surgical pathology,
toxicology and transfusion medicine.
For more information, contact:
Memorial Hermann Cancer Center-Southeast
11920 Astoria Blvd,
Suite 100
Houston, TX 77089
281.929.4200