Innovative Technology
MultiCare offers many of the latest cancer treatment methods, close to home, including surgical robotics, intensity-modulated radiation therapy, full-body stereotactic radiosurgery and image-guided radiation therapy.
Recent innovations include:Full Body Stereotactic Radiosurgery – A new option for treating tumors
MultiCare is the first health system in the South Puget Sound region to offer image-guided, stereotactic linear accelerator treatment, on the Varian® Trilogy System, for treating cancers and other appropriate conditions. Stereotactic radiosurgery is a form of radiation therapy that uses 3-D computer imaging to attack tumors and lesions with an extremely precise dose of radiation. Linear accelerators offer potential advantages to some patients over other stereotactic radiosurgery technologies such as the Gamma Knife, notably the ability to treat tumors throughout the entire body, not just those in the brain.
Your physician will work with you to determine if you are a candidate for this new technology.
MammoSite RTS... A different approach to radiation therapy for breast cancer
MammoSite Radiation Therapy System (RTS) is a different approach to radiation therapy for breast cancer that’s faster and more efficient than previous methods. While traditional breast cancer treatment requires a nearly two-month commitment, MammoSite treatments can be completed in as little as five days.
MammoSite RTS uses a catheter to deliver a concentrated dose of radiation to tumors. Treatments are done on an outpatient basis and do not interfere with your daily routine.
Your physician will work with you to determine the best cancer treatment option based on your individual situation.
SAVI Five-Day Breast Cancer Treatment Option
This sophisticated new radiation treatment offers a more individualized five-day course of radiation treatment for early-stage breast cancer. The majority of women who qualify for partial breast radiation can be treated with this treatment. Partial breast radiation is short, five-day course of radiation therapy given after a lumpectomy. It delivers a form of partial breast radiation known as breast brachytherapy, which targets the tumor site from inside the breast. it allows physicians to tailor radiation and can potentially reduce side effects typically associated with radiation therapy.
MultiCare Regional Cancer Center at Tacoma General Hospital is one of the first facilities in the Pacific Northwest to offer this treatment.
Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT): Precision radiation therapy
Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) more precisely targets a cancerous tumor while sparing the healthy surrounding tissue. Image-guided technology helps the IMRT team map the location, shape and size of a tumor and determine the ideal amount of radiation to use. This method has proven most effective for tumors in the prostate, liver, head, neck and lungs.
IMRT may be a useful treatment option if you’ve previously been treated with conventional radiation therapy for breast cancer, and are experiencing recurrent tumors in the treated area. IMRT can be used in conjunction with, or may be used in place of, external beam radiation.
Your physician will work with you to determine the best cancer treatment option based on your individual situation.
Rapid Arc Radiotherapy Technology
Da Vinci® Surgical System for Cancer Treatment
The da Vinci Surgical System enables surgeons to operate with unmatched precision and control using only a few small incisions. This minimally invasive surgery technique offers these potential benefits:
• Significantly less pain
• Less blood loss
• Fewer complications
• Less scarring
• A shorter hospital stay
• And a faster return to normal daily activities
For cancer treatment, the da Vinci system is being used to treat prostate and gynecological cancers.
Prostatectomy
A da Vinci Prostatectomy allows surgeons to bypass the nerves linked to sexual function and urinary incontinence. Men who have robotic-assisted surgery for prostate removal experience significantly faster recovery times for erectile function and urinary control when compared to traditional, open prostatectomies.
Hysterectomy
For most women, da Vinci Hysterectomy can offer numerous potential benefits over traditional approaches to vaginal, laparoscopic or open abdominal hysterectomy, particularly when performing more challenging procedures like radical hysterectomies for gynecologic cancer.
A da Vinci Hysterectomy uses robot-assisted technology to do a radical hysterectomy through a few small incisions rather than a large traditional incision. This leads to faster recovery for patients.
Coming Early 2010
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It will feature comprehensive care under one roof, patient and family-friendly environment and expanded treatment options.