North Shore Radiation Therapy in New York Performing 4-Dimensional CAT Scan Simulations for Cancer Treatment

With 4-Dimensional CAT scan treatment planning, physicians are able to obtain a CAT scan while the patient breathes and then analyze the movement of a tumor and/or normal tissue inside the body. This allows for more precise targeting of the cancer treatment. According to Richard Byrnes, MD, Medical Director of North Shore Radiation Therapy, "We can no longer look at a regular CT image and believe that the tumor is totally static. Depending on the position of the tumor, it has been clearly demonstrated that breathing can impact its position, and we now have the technology to identify these movements which allows us greatly improved accuracy in cancer treatment."

Diverse imaging technologies are necessary for optimum cancer treatment. The first step in preparing a patient for cancer treatment is called the treatment simulation. This process is usually accomplished using fluoroscopy or CT scan (CAT scan), where a patient's tumor is localized, and marks are placed on the body for daily treatment set up. After simulation, treatment-planning computers are used to map out the radiation dose in and around the tumor, using information acquired by the CAT scan and other imaging studies such as PET scans and MRI.

source: PR-Inside