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WashingtonHospital Cen
MedStar Health
WHCenter.org/ca
TrilogyLineAccelerato
TH E A RE AS MOST ADVAN CE D
RADIATION THERAPY
TECHNOLOGYWashington Cancer Institute at Washington Hospital Center
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If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, theres one thing you know forsure you want the best treatment available.
The best treatment combines expert care and advanced technology. At the WashingtoCancer Institute at Washington Hospital Center, you will receive quality medical carefrom an experienced staff of medical professionals using the latest equipment. Thatswhy Washington Hospital Center is the first hospital in D.C. to add the worlds most
sophisticated radiation treatment device to its cancer treatment services.
The Trilogy linear accelerator can treat cancer anywhere in the body. Quite simply, ittargets tumors more precisely, delivers a higher dose of radiation and requires fewertreatment sessions.
The Trilogy increases our arsenal of cancer fighting tools. With this new technolog
we can deliver higher radiation doses with fewer side effects; hopefully this will
translate into higher cure rates. Were excited to offer this new treatment to area
residents who are facing the fight against cancer.
Pamela Randolph-Jackson, MD, Radiation Oncolog
Currently, there are
just 32 Trilogy linear
accelerators in the
world. Only 15 are
situated in the U.S.
Washington Hospital
Center is thefirst
in D.C. to add this
exciting and new
treatment innovation.
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How cancer is treatedThere are three main components to cancer treatment, which are used alone or in
combination, depending on the tumor size, type and location.
Surgery removes many kinds of tumors.
Chemotherapy medications, taken orally or intravenously, travel through the body
to kill cancer cells.
Radiation therapy uses targeted radiation beams delivered from outside the body tothe tumor site to kill cancer cells. For almost 60% of cancer patients, treatment
includes radiation therapy.
What radiation therapy doesRadiation is pure energy delivered in beams. It works by damaging the DNA ofcancer cells so they can no longer reproduce. Because cancer is characterized by rapid
reproduction, this stops cancer from growing and spreading.
A radiation oncologist is a physician who is trained to use radiation for cancer treatment.
This specialist determines the correct amount, or dose, of radiation, and the right method
for administering it to achieve the best results. A medical physicist helps calculate
the dosage to make sure your tumor gets the proper amount of radiation. Using
state-of-the-art computers, they develop a variety of treatment plans that most effectively
destroy the tumor while sparing normal tissue. Also, the treatment team uses imagingtests CT scans, PET scans and MRIs to plan where to aim the radiation.
For more informati
about Trilogy or otcancer treatment o
call DOCtorsLine at
(202)877-DO
or visit our Websiteat WHCenter.org/ca
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Why technology is important
A linear accelerator is the machine most often used to deliver external beam radiationStereotactic radiation therapy is the most precise method of external radiation. For
some years now, stereotactic therapy has been used to treat vascular abnormalities an
brain tumors. Recent advances in imaging, patient positioning and targeting now ma
this approach useful for other cancers, too.
Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and image-guided radiation therapy
(IGRT) are also important cancer treating technologies. IMRT is a three-dimensional
radiation therapy treatment that allows radiation oncologists to optimize the planning an
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delivery of high doses of radiation to targeted areas, while minimizing radiation to healthy
tissue. IGRT enhances the accuracy of IMRT by using detailed images to target diseases.
Precise targeting What makes stereotactic therapy different is that it delivers beams
from many different angles to target the tumor more exactly. This precise targeting can
destroy tumors very effectively. It even allows treatment of some tumors that surgeons
cant reach. For some patients, radiation therapy can serve as an alternative to surgery
and sometimes chemotherapy.
Higher doses Because of this precise targeting, radiation oncologists can deliver
higher doses of radiation. The radiation goes only to the cancer cells, sparing the
healthy cells surrounding the tumor site.
Fewer treatment sessions Youve probably heard that radiation treatments are
scheduled multiple times each week, sometimes for many weeks. Because the stereotactic
approach uses higher and more targeted doses of radiation, fewer sessions are necessary.
Radiosurgery Neurosurgeons and radiation oncologists also use stereotactic
equipment to target brain and spine abnormalities. It provides a noninvasive alternative
to surgery, allowing treatment of tumors that otherwise may be inoperable.
Radiosurgery can be performed in a single session.
So deeply moved
your thoughtfuln
Thank you for th
care and concern
You made my day
go quickly. Keep u
the good work.
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What makes the Trilogy linear accelerator specialEven in the highly specialized world of radiation, the Trilogy linear accelerator stands o
It offers an enhanced cancer treatment option.
Flexibility The team of experienced medical professionals can customize treatme
to target many different types of cancers, in many different locations.
Accuracy Radiation beams match the three-dimensional shape of the tumor with
high degree of accuracy. It also can treat smaller lesions, which allows for treatment a
earlier stages when cancer is most curable.
Precision IGRT and On-board Imager (OBI) help medical professionals synchroni
treatment with the patients breathing cycles. This helps to target tumors more precise
while sparing healthy tissue.
Speed The Trilogy delivers radiation at a rate that is 60% faster than traditional
linear accelerators, which enhances the patients comfort.
Power The highest dose rates can be delivered, so treatments take less time and
fewer treatment sessions are needed.
Fewer side effects Because of the precision of the radiation, healthy tissue is spare
which results in fewer side effects.
For more information
about Trilogy or other
cancer treatment options,
call DOCtorsLine at
(202)877-DOCS,or visit our Website
at WHCenter.org/cancer.
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What to expect during treatmentMost often, radiation therapy is an outpatient procedure. The first visit takes about an
hour, because there is a lot of preparation involved. Each subsequent visit takes just 15
to 30 minutes. Patients return home after the treatment and resume normal activities.
The team of experienced medical professionals designs unique treatment plans for each
patient. That plan may include treatment with the Trilogy technology or with other
advanced radiation therapy equipment better suited for that tumor type, size or location.
Initial visit The patient meets with a radiation oncologist to discuss treatment options.
Positioning Accurate, reproducible positioning and rigid fixation are important
factors for precise dose delivery. The radiation therapist fits the patient with an
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immobilization device thermoplastic mask, which softens in warm water and forms a
rigid yet comfortable cast of the patients anatomical contours as it cools and harden
(about 4-5 minutes).
Imaging The patient lies on a CT scan couch and undergoes an imaging procedur
to create a treatment plan and ensure correct positioning.
Treatment planning Using a sophisticated computer program, the team designs a
customized treatment plan, based on information gathered during positioning and imagi
Treatment delivery The patient lies on a treatment couch while the machine mov
around the bed and painlessly delivers invisible radiation. Sometimes the couch move
too. The patient is alone in the room but the radiation therapist is right outside, availa
to observe and talk with the patient during treatment.
Follow-up The treatment team monitors the patients progress with imaging tests
X-rays and blood tests. They work closely with the patients referring physician to
manage care.
You all showed a lot
of respect, kindness
and integrity towards
me. You all were
very professional in
your attitude
and I appreciate
your care for me.
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H O W T O C H O O S E A C A N C E R C E N T E R
After a diagnosis of cancer, your doctor will tell youif radiation therapy is a recommended treatment for
your cancer. Understanding your treatment options
and how to choose a cancer center will help you
make well-informed health care decisions.
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Look for a cancer center that meets these criteria:
Experts You want experienced, compassionate professionals to manage your care.The Washington Cancer Institutes radiation oncology team includes four of the most
experienced, respected radiation oncologists in the area, five radiation physicists and a
caring, highly skilled group of radiation therapists and nurses.
Facility A comfortable, well-equipped facility can ease your treatment. Our radiatio
oncology suite is located on the ground floor of the Cancer Institute at Washington
Hospital Center. The suite is designed to provide quality cancer care in a patient-first
and comfortable, healing environment. A parking garage with free parking for radiati
therapy patients is right next door. Valet parking also is available.
Technology The most advanced treatment technology can improve outcomes.
The Washington Cancer Institute houses three state-of-the-art linear accelerators,
plus a sophisticated three-dimensional CT simulator, treatment planning system and
verification system.
Patient focus You deserve comprehensive and compassionate care to help you figh
your cancer. In addition to effective treatment options, the Cancer Institute offers the
services of a nutritionist, social worker and pastoral counselor, along with patient
education resources and support programs.
For more information
about Trilogy or other
cancer treatment options,
call DOCtorsLine at
(202)877-DOCS,or visit our Website
at WHCenter.org/cancer.
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Consumers rank the Washington Cancer Instituteat Washington Hospital Center #1 for cancer care.
Find out why. Call (202)877-DOCS for additional information or to
schedule an appointment. Or, visit our Website at WHCenter.org/cancer.
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WashingtonHospital Cent
MedStar Health
WHCenter.org/can
The Washington Cancer Inst
Washington Hospital Center
110 Irving St. NW
Washington, DC 20010
(202)877-DOCS
Every year, more than 1,000 patients
choose the Washington Cancer Institute at Washington
Hospital Center for radiation treatment. Thats more
than any other cancer center in the area. Our patients
consistently give us very high patient satisfaction scores,
praising our ability to deliver exceptional patient care.
Enter WHCoff First
Street,NW
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