New technology enables cancer patients to receive advanced treatment without having to travel great distances
Tampa Bay, Florida (November 25, 2020) – In a promising development for cancer patients in the Tampa Bay area, Advanced Cancer Treatment Centers (ACTC) announced today that it has acquired and will soon install a VitalBeam™ radiotherapy system for treating cancer and other conditions with image-guided radiotherapy. VitalBeam, from Varian Medical Systems, delivers powerful cancer treatments with pinpoint accuracy and precision. It uniquely integrates imaging and treatment technologies within a sophisticated architecture that makes it possible to deliver image-guided treatments very quickly, opening the door to new possibilities for the treatment of lung, breast, prostate, head and neck, as well as other cancers that are treatable with radiotherapy. It will be operational by early 2021.
“This system allows us to offer patients sophisticated non-invasive radiotherapy treatments closer to home,” said Clayton Elliott Alonso, MD.
“VitalBeam is a real game-changer that will enable us to treat even challenging cases with pinpoint accuracy and precision, making it possible for us to offer fast, targeted treatments,”
said Peter Zavitsanos, MD.
The VitalBeam radiotherapy system offers physicians a broad spectrum of treatment options for challenging cases such as cancers of the head/neck, breast, prostate, lung, liver, and pancreas. Its integrated imaging tools enable the treatment team to pinpoint the tumor they are going to treat, monitor its position during treatment and make adjustments for greater accuracy.
“Imaging is an essential part of modern-day, targeted radiotherapy,” explained Dr. Alonso. “This machine allows us to choose an imaging mode that minimizes the amount of X-rays needed to generate an image—and that’s good for our patients.”
In RapidArc® mode—one of the treatment modalities enabled by the VitalBeam system—simple treatments that once took 15 minutes or more can be completed in less than two once the patient is in position. “These are significant reductions in treatment time,” said Dr. Zavitsanos. “Many patients will spend a whole lot less time lying still, immobilized on a hard surface.”
A VitalBeam system can deliver dose with tremendous precision. Its accuracy is made possible by a sophisticated architecture that synchronizes imaging, patient positioning, beam shaping, and dose delivery, performing accuracy checks every ten milliseconds throughout a treatment.
VitalBeam can be used for radiotherapy treatments including image-guided radiotherapy and radiosurgery (IGRT and IGRS), intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), and RapidArc® radiotherapy.
“With VitalBeam, we can select the optimal treatment for every type of cancer,” said Dr. Alonso. “This is a breakthrough that enables us to offer a wider spectrum of advanced radiotherapy treatment options to more patients. It represents a big step forward in our ability to help people fight cancer.”
About ACTC’s New Facility
The facility was built at a cost of approximately $7 million and includes equipment at a cost of $3.5 million. Once completely operational it will employ a staff of 45 to 50 employees.
ACTC intends to transfer the balance of its medical and support staff from its old facilities within the next 30 days. Cancer care services that will be available include but are not limited to medical oncology, hematology, radiation oncology, and a wide range of other services.
About Advanced Cancer Treatment Centers
Advanced Cancer Treatment Centers, soon to be at located at 15211 Cortez Boulevard, Brooksville, Florida 34613, offers personalized, evidence-based cancer care in a modern, state-of-the-art facility close to home. Conveniently located just east of Suncoast Parkway on State Road 50, ACTC offers personalized care at every stage by the following physicians:
- Clayton Alonso, MD, Radiation Oncology
- Aaron Denson, MD, Hematology Oncology
- D. Alan Kerr, II, MD, PhD, Hematology Oncology
- Peter Zavitsanos, MD, Radiation Oncology
The medical team also includes Amy Morgan, APRN-C, and Elizabeth Morgan, APRN, AOCN.
The 21,000 square foot facility includes an infusion room, medical oncology, examination rooms, radiation oncology exam rooms, treatment vault, in-house full laboratory and the latest in radiation oncology treatment systems and the latest diagnostic equipment including CT scan and mobile PET.
ACTC’s caregivers and staff offer support services including financial counselors to address the unique psychological and emotional challenges of cancer patients and their families. The center also features a dedicated research department for clinical trials.