Cancer Care

Radiation Oncology

The first of its kind in Montana, Sidney Health Center installed a TomoTherapy Hi-Art radiation treatment system, which is one of the most advanced cancer treatment systems in the area.

TomoTherapy is the newest form of radiation treatment in which 360°, image-guided radiation is delivered to the tumor slice-by-slice. It provides flexibility in the treatment plan and minimizes the radiation exposure to healthy tissue. Like conventional radiation, TomoTherapy can treat many types of cancers such as:

Prostate
Breast
Lung
Brain
Bone and Soft Tissue
Lymphoma
Genitourinary
Gastrointestinal
Head and Neck
Gynecologic
Skin

TomoTherapy can also be used for radiosurgery, in which one dose of radiation is used to destroy the tumor. It has also been identified as an option for those patients requiring re-treatment. The pre-treatment CT scan ensures that the patient is aligned and positioned properly before the treatment begins.

During the radiation treatment, the couch moves into the machine as a thin beam is rotated around the patient. Rather than utilizing two to six beams, as conventional radiation does, TomoTherapy uses thousands of beams. Each beam has a different intensity and is sent from a different direction, thus creating the 360° treatment.

TomoTherapy can treat all sizes of tumors, in single or multiple areas of the body, and with all the same doses or multiple doses, according to the radiation oncologists prescription.

For most patients, treatment is given daily, five days a week, from one to eight weeks.

How does the doctor know how much radiation to give me and where to direct it?
Using a specialized computer program and the 3D images from CT, MRI and PET scans, the doctor is able to develop a computer optimized plan. The radiation oncologist will prescribe the amount of radiation that can be safely and effectively given to the cancer area. The Hi-ART TomoTherapy computer will then develop the appropriate pattern and beam intensities to optimize treatment to the cancer while reducing the radiation dose to normal tissue to the lowest amount.

How long does the actual radiation portion of my appointment last?
The actual treatment takes approximately five minutes.

Is there any pain associated with TomoTherapy?
TomoTherapy is painless. The treatment is like having a CT scan or an x-ray taken. You will hear the machine making some humming and clicking noises during treatment.

Low-dose Radiation Therapy for Treatment of Osteoarthritis

Sidney Health Center Cancer Care offers low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT) as a treatment option for osteoarthritis that can help reduce pain and improve mobility.

How It Works

LDRT uses a very low dose of radiation to target the affected joint. This radiation modulates the immune system and reduces inflammation, which can help alleviate pain and stiffness. Treatment plan includes six treatments over a two week period. Following treatment completion, there will be a one month check-in call and provider appointments at 3, 6 and 12 months.

Benefits

Pain relief
Improved mobility
Non-invasive to minimally invasive
Suitable for patients who have not responded to other treatments, such as medication or physical therapy

General Guidelines for Treatment and Consult Documentation:

Age 55 or older
Site specific Osteoarthritis is primary diagnosis for referral with correlating imaging
Treatment locations: Hands, elbows, shoulders, hips, SI joints, knees, ankles, feet
Clearly documented failure or poor response of other treatment options for example:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications
- Corticosteroid injections correlating to treatment site
- Physical Therapy correlating to treatment site
All patients must have a physician referral with supporting images documentation of previous treatments and responses

Dr. Ralf Kiehl, Radiation Oncologist
TomoTherapy Website
Cancer Care - Medical Oncology