Trident Cancer Center First in State to Offer Revolutionary Radiation Treatment to Cancer Patients

A state-of-the-art radiation delivery system that significantly reduces treatment time for cancer patients is now available at Trident Cancer Center.
The system may be considered as an alternative to surgery or other types of radiation therapy for appropriate patients. It is designed to treat tumors at certain sites, including the prostate, head and neck or abdomen. Trident Medical Center is the first facility in the state to offer the new treatment system, called RapidArc. This new treatment is two to eight times faster than conventional radiotherapy, and is the most recent and advanced form of radiation therapy available to cancer patients today.
“We are excited to offer our oncology patients newer, more improved radiation technology that delivers therapy with enhanced accuracy,” said Michelle Horton, oncology director for Trident Health System. “Patients will not only benefit from a more precise dose of radiation, but the shorter treatment length also will save time and enhance patient comfort.”
Trident Cancer Center’s RapidArc technology delivers image-guided IMRT (intensity-modulated radiation therapy) very quickly, in a single rotation of the treatment machine around the patient.
“RapidArc will be much easier on the patient; in less than two minutes, it will allow physicians to target tumors with pinpoint accuracy,” said Dr. William Collins, radiation oncologist with Trident Health System.  “It’s hard for people to hold still for long periods of time.  By delivering doses more quickly, we can simultaneously improve the quality of care and make our patients more comfortable.”

The American Cancer Society estimates that, in the State of South Carolina, there will be approximately 22,100 new cancer patients diagnosed in the year 2009.

Trident Health System is an HCA hospital system comprised of two acute care hospitals – Trident Medical Center and Summerville Medical Center – as well as Moncks Corner Medical Center.  Accredited by The Joint Commission, Trident Health System is committed to providing quality health services along with wellness information and opportunities to the communities it serves. For more information about Trident Health System, please visit our website at www.TridentHealthSystem.com or call 843.797.7000.