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U.VA. OFFERS IMPROVED RADIATION TREATMENT FOR PROSTATE CANCER

The University of Virginia Cancer Center is the first radiation oncology facility in the state to offer prostate cancer treatment using the new B-mode Acquisition and Targeting (BAT) System, an ultrasound-based patient positioning system.

The BAT System can rapidly pinpoint a prostate tumor at the time of radiation therapy. This accuracy dramatically reduces the need to include marginal tissue that has traditionally been targeted to ensure thorough treatment, thus resulting in fewer side-effects for patients.

The prostate can move within the body because of factors like the bladder being full, said Dr. Bernard Schneider, assistant professor of radiation oncology. The BAT System uses ultrasound to show the current position of the tumor at the time of treatment. It tells the technician the exact millimeters of adjustment needed in each of the three dimensions so the beams will exactly target the tumor.

The BAT's ultrasonic imaging also shows the radiation therapists the precise location of the surrounding organs they want to avoid radiating.

With our acquisition of the BAT System, we now have a full complement of localization and treatment techniques that provides our patients with the most precise radiation therapy delivery available, Schneider said.

U.Va. radiation oncologists use the BAT in conjunction with another newly acquired radiation technology, the Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), which not only segments radiation beams and spreads their distribution, but calculates dosage for individual patients using extremely sophisticated computer software.

Radiation treatments that conform to the shape of the tumor can be delivered using either ultrasound-guided external beam with IMRT or implants with radioactive seeds, Schneider said.

The BAT System is manufactured by Pittsburgh-based NOVUS Corporation, which also developed and manufactures the IMRT among other radiation therapy technology.

The U.Va. Department of Radiation Oncology has served Charlottesville for more than 40 years. It has always been a leader in bringing state-of-the-art cancer treatment technology to Virginians, while delivering compassionate care to each individual patient, said Dr. Maria D. Kelly, chairman of the department.

November 12, 2001