Dedicated TomoTherapy(R) Treatment Facility Sees Immediate Results.

Upper Delaware Valley Cancer Center Treats Up to 34 Patients a Day With Advanced CT-Guided Radiation Delivery System

MADISON, Wis. -- As a Radiation Oncologist in Florida, Dr. Jose Pino-y-Torres was one of the first physicians in the nation to treat cancer patients with the TomoTherapy([R]) Hi-Art System([R]). Today, as Medical Director of Pennsylvania's Upper Delaware Valley Cancer Center (UDVCC), he remains at the forefront of an industry-wide movement toward this revolutionary platform for radiation therapy.

The Milford-based UDVCC first opened its doors in 1992, and had been treating patients on a conventional "C-arm" linear accelerator ever since. Shortly after Dr. Pino joined the staff in mid-2005, the decision was made to replace the UDVCC's legacy system with a TomoTherapy Hi-Art System.

"With TomoTherapy, we can give the most precise treatment of the tumor, with the lowest possible dose to surrounding normal tissue," says Dr. Pino. "This means we can greatly reduce the side effects normally associated with radiation therapy. Plus, we can treat patients with particularly complex cases closer to home. Previously, they would have had to travel outside the area for treatment."

Dr. Pino credits the TomoTherapy Hi-Art System's unique design with enabling these new possibilities in cancer care.

Because the System's linear accelerator is mounted to a ring gantry through which the patient passes, it is the only machine capable of delivering radiation from angles all around the patient. The intensity of the radiation is modulated by a patented multileaf collimator, which divides the beam into many smaller beamlets. Typically, tens of thousands of beamlets are included in a TomoTherapy radiation treatment. With that many beamlets, from that many angles, treatment teams have more control over the targeting of tumors, and sparing of critical structures, than ever before.

In addition to greater control, the Hi-Art System's daily imaging capability offers greater confidence that treatments are being carried out according to plan. This is due to the fact that the linear accelerator doubles as an on-board CT scanner that can acquire 3-D images of a patient's anatomy immediately prior to every treatment fraction. With these images, clinicians can confirm the exact location of a tumor and quickly determine if any set-up adjustment is needed. Furthermore, these daily CT images can be used to adapt the therapy to account for anatomical changes over time.

Since opening in July as the area's only dedicated TomoTherapy treatment facility, UDVCC has seen its patient load steadily increase. "In an extended day, we can now precisely image and accurately treat up to 34 patients with a range of cancer cases," says Dr. Pino.

On October 12, the Center took a break for a few hours to host an open house. More than 130 patients, physicians and community leaders joined Dr. Pino and his partners and staff in the celebration. Those attending enjoyed tours of the newly-refurbished Center, learning about treatment planning and the TomoTherapy Hi-Art System.

About TomoTherapy Incorporated

Based in Madison, Wisconsin, US, TomoTherapy Incorporated has developed a revolutionary new medical system that combines on-board CT imaging with conformal radiation therapy to provide unprecedented precision in the treatment of cancer patients. The TomoTherapy([R]) Hi-Art System([R]) is designed to target radiation treatment to the patient's tumor while helping to limit damage to the surrounding tissues. The technology was developed in collaboration with the University of Wisconsin. To find out more, please visit our website at www.tomotherapy.com.

About Upper Delaware Valley Cancer Center

Serving tri-state area patients and families with compassion and premier radiation therapy services, Upper Delaware Valley Cancer Center is located in beautiful Pike County, Pennsylvania.

As medical director of the Center, Dr. Jose Pino oversees a dynamic team of fully certified therapists, dosimetrists, physicists, nurses, a social worker and dietitian. Patients of the center are assured they are getting the most up-to-date care, via both TomoTherapy and ongoing clinical trials.

Upper Delaware Valley Cancer Center is one of the five cancer treatment locations of Northeast Radiation Oncology Centers (NROC). More information about the exceptional physicians of NROC and the centers throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York can be accessed at www.nrocdoctors.com.