“This technology is an important addition to our proton offerings,” said William Hartsell, MD, radiation oncologist and Medical Director, Northwestern Medicine Chicago Proton Center. “We expect that imaging lung cancer patients in an upright position will allow us to more precisely target the tumor when we treat it with the proton beam.”
Using a diagnostic CT scanning system, this new system will allow proton therapy treatment planning images to be taken with patients in a seated position. This system will allow for enhanced imaging of target tumors that will be treated with proton beams – which also occurs in the seated position. The seated position for imaging and treatment is expected to provide a greater degree of comfort for the patient during treatment and may decrease tumor motion making the proton treatments more precise.
“The P-Cure team is excited to work in collaboration with the Northwestern Medicine Chicago Proton Center, an internationally recognized center of excellence for cancer treatment. Our goal is to create more clinical flexibility for new and existing proton centers,” said Michael Marash, MD, Chief Executive Officer, P-Cure, Ltd.
View a video demonstrating the P-ARTIS CT Scanner System
Until now, lung cancer patients undergoing CT scanning and proton therapy normally lie flat on their backs. Research shows that when patients are imaged in an upright position compared to a supine, or laying position, motion within the lung was reduced and absolute lung volumes were much larger.
“When a patient is in an upright position, the lungs expand more readily, which contributes to lower lung density and a better image,” said Dr. Hartsell. “Since absolute lung volumes are larger in the upright position, we may be able to better treat the lung tumor while at the same time sparing more of the normal lung tissue.”
Patients undergoing treatment for lung cancer, tumors in the middle of the chest (mediastinum), and possibly some head and neck cancers are initial candidates for use of the vertical CT in treatment planning.
“We are looking forward to demonstrating the clinical benefits of our Patient-Centric approach for treatment planning, immobilization, adaptive therapy and motion management. The P-Cure team is committed to establish cost-effective proton therapy services for the best possible patient care and cure,” said Dr. Marash.
About Northwestern MedicineTo learn more about Northwestern Medicine, visit http://news.nm.org/about-northwestern-medicine.html.
About P-Cure LtdTo learn more about P-Cure, visit www.p-cure.com
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