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The department of Radiation Oncology at the Miami VA Healthcare Systems provides Veterans radiation treatments utilizing the latest treatment protocols. The department utilizes a Varian Clinac IX with RapidArc capabilities to ensure an advance form of IMRT (Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy) is delivered. This type of treatment allows for precise dose sculpting to target cancer lesions while sparing the surrounding healthy tissues. Treatment is used in conjunction with IGRT (Image Guided Radiation Therapy) using x-rays and scans similar to the CT scan to improve tumor localization.
The addition of a wide bore CT simulator enables treatment planning scans to occur within the department. The wide bore opening enables the various immobilization devices utilized to be scanned while ensuring quality images are acquired.The department is in the process of installing a Varian Truebeam, expected to be operational in 2017. This machine represents the latest technology available in Radiation Oncology. It will allow Radiation Oncologists to offer Veterans where appropriate intracranial radiosurgery (SRS). This system will feature High Definition Multi-Leaf Collimator (HDMLC) and an Optical Surface Monitoring System (OSMS), thus allowing for precise targeting of intracranial lesions.
Miami VA Radiation Oncology Department was awarded ACR accrediation this year, thereby confirmning its high quality of care. Future project will include participation in a National VA clinical trial for the treatment of lung cancers using SBRT (stereotatic body radiation therapy).
