[July 10, 2014]

The MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute at Long Beach Memorial Announces Launch of New TomoTherapy® HDA Radiation System

Physicians at the MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute (TCI) at Long Beach Memorial are now treating cancer patients with the TomoTherapy® HDA System. The TomoTherapy HDA system is the only radiation therapy system that combines daily 3D helical CT imaging with intensity modulated radiation therapy to deliver advanced radiation treatments with speed and precision, while reducing radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.

The Tomotherapy® HDA System, which stands out as one of the most comprehensive radiation therapy solutions capable of treating a broad range of tumors, from the most common to the most complex, will help physicians at TCI expand radiation treatment options available to cancer patients throughout Southern California. Also, Long Beach Memorial is currently the only hospital in the greater Long Beach area and the South Bay that offers the Tomotherapy ® HDA system.

"At the MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute at Long Beach Memorial, we take pride in offering the most advanced cancer treatment options available," says Wealthy Villariasa, director, Radiation Oncology, MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute, Long Beach Memorial.

"The TomoTherapy® HDA System's unique design and capabilities give our clinicians the ability to target tumors in ways never thought possible and deliver aggressive, accurate and highly individualized treatment for each patient. We're thrilled to offer this leading-edge technology to our patients as part of our continued commitment to patient care."

The TomoTherapy® HDA System makes full use of recent, key advances in computing, diagnostic imaging and treatment delivery technologies to provide patients with the most accurate, personalized cancer care. The technology uses computed tomography CT) imaging to identify the exact position of the tumor on each day of treatment, enabling clinicians to customize treatment for each patient, minimize radiation exposure to healthy tissue and reduce side effects.

Unlike conventional systems, which allow radiation to be delivered from only a few directions, the TomoTherapy® HDA System rotates in 360 degrees - meaning that treatments can be delivered continuously to the tumor from every angle. More beam directions give physicians more control in how they plan treatments and more assurance that the dose will be confined to the tumor, reducing the risk of short- and long-term side effects.

An actual treatment session typically lasts 10 to 20 minutes during which the patient lies on a "treatment couch" as the TomoTherapy® HDA System does its work. Also, by avoiding radiating healthy tissue, TomoTherapy® patients are often spared the unpleasant side effects that accompany radiation treatment. Clinical research has shown that patients receiving treatment by the TomoTherapy® HDA System experience less severe side effects such as burning of the skin at the tumor site, chronic fatigue, etc.

The addition of this new Tomotherapy® HDA Radiation technology positions the MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute at Long Beach Memorial as one of the leading cancer centers in Southern California as it constantly is evolving to provide the best care possible to its patients and community.

Photos are available upon request.

About the MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute:

The MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute (TCI) is dedicated to the early diagnosis, treatment, research and education of patients with cancer. TCI specializes in the divisions of gynecology, breast, thoracic, gastrointestinal and urinary cancers. TCI also offers psychosocial oncology services to help patients improve their quality of life while dealing with cancer. Recognized as one of the top two cancer centers in Southern California for having the lowest complication rate, nearly than 2,000 people are treated at TCI annually. Through multi-disciplinary treatment planning conferences, TCI experts develop specialized treatment plans suited to the specific needs of each patient. TCI is now located in the new 64,000 sq. ft. Todd Cancer Pavilion, which houses the world's most advanced technology for cancer treatment, wellness programs, support groups and a patient navigator that together treat the whole patient under one roof. Visit MemorialCare.org/TCI, like us at Facebook.com/LongBeachMemorial, follow us on Twitter @LongBeachMMC and on Instagram @LongBeachMemorial.

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