Women with early stage gynecological cancers may now benefit from Axxent Electronic Brachytherapy.
Eligible women with early stage gynecological cancers may now benefit from Axxent Electronic Brachytherapy, a new treatment option offered at the Winchester Hospital Radiation Oncology Center to significantly reduce the chance of recurrence.
Electronic brachytherapy uses a miniaturized X-ray source to deliver targeted and effective radiation treatments under the supervision of a radiation oncologist. This treatment requires fewer sessions than traditional radiation therapy, resulting in better outcomes, less exposure to radiation and fewer side effects. It also permits a healthcare provider to remain by the patient’s side throughout the treatment.
“We have incorporated electronic brachytherapy into our cancer center in order to provide a revolutionary radiation treatment alternative for our gynecological cancer patients in a manner that is both easier and more convenient,” said Dr. Richard C. Heidbreder, medical director of the Winchester Hospital Radiation Oncology Center.
To detect and treat cancer at the earliest possible stage, it is recommended that women have annual check-ups. According to the National Cancer Institute, there were an estimated 40,100 new cases of endometrial cancer and 7,470 deaths in the U.S. in 2008. Cancer of the uterus, which is the most common cancer of the female reproductive system, accounts for 6 percent of all cancers in American women.
“It is reassuring and exciting to share in delivering the latest advances in radiation oncology in a community setting,” said Dr. Katherine Kim, who practices brachytherapy at the Winchester Hospital Radiation Oncology Center. “Our goal is to make the lives of our patients and their families easier by providing their care closer to home with the advantage of compassionate staff and the most effective treatments available. Through electronic brachytherapy, patients experience fewer adverse events and enjoy a higher quality of life.”
“As a nation, we are getting older and therefore our risks for cancer are increasing steadily,” said Dr. Arlan Fuller, Jr., clinical vice president for the integration of oncology services and academic affiliations at Winchester Hospital. “The good news is that early detection occurs much more frequently than in years past. At Winchester Hospital, we have invested in several of the latest, state-of-the-art technologies for treating cancer very successfully with minimally invasive techniques, affording greater hope with less trauma.”
Located at 620 Washington St. in Winchester, the Winchester Hospital Radiation Oncology Center is a joint venture partnership with Shields Health Care Group which delivers full-service cancer treatment to Winchester Hospital’s patients. With this technology, patients are able to obtain all-inclusive medical services for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer through Winchester Hospital. The Winchester Hospital Radiation Oncology Center features four-dimensional CT simulation, image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) and respiratory gating – three highly advanced forms of cancer treatment offered in very few centers in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Lisa Campisi 774-328-2397