The Radiation Oncology center has four technologically advanced multiple photon and electron beam linear accelerators with different energies, multi-leaf collimation (which allows specially tailored radiation beams), record and verify systems and on-line portal imaging - all devices that make it easier for our staff to accurately and effectively treat our patients.
We also have sophisticated three-dimensional treatment planning computer systems and other specialized dosimetry devices. Our physicists, dosimetrists, therapists, nurses and other support staff, assist us in the optimal treatment of our patients.
Further, we are one of the few centers in the county that has an active clinical hyperthermia program modality, which allows heating of selected tumors in combination with radiation therapy, which acts to improve the local tumor control.
is one of the few centers in the Midwest with a large experience of prostate implant program;
is one of only a few programs in the U.S. actively providing endocavitary radiation;
has the largest 3-D radiation therapy program in the Midwest, and one of the most active in the U.S.; and
is among the few centers in the U.S. to possess IMRT capability.
State-of-the-art planning on how to deliver radiation therapy to a patient’s tumor currently utilizes computerized tomography (CT) images to depict the anatomy or shape of the tumor.
Nuclear medicine imaging techniques depict tumor and normal tissue metabolism and biochemistry rather than anatomy.
Dr. W. Thorstad’s interests include integrating metabolic information from nuclear medicine studies with anatomic CT based images for treatment planning, which more accurately depicts the true nature of a tumor and may lead to new ways of treating cancer, not only with radiation, but also integrating it with surgery and chemotherapy.