Copyright M Live Michigan
GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Trinity Health Grand Rapids says its Richard J. Lacks Sr. Cancer Center is the first in Michigan to offer Radixact Radiation Therapy to treat a wide range of cancers, including head and neck, lung and prostate. The therapy “delivers image-guided radiation therapy” to treat cancer, and “can verify tumor position and adapt treatment plans in real time,” according to a release. “Our radiation oncology team uses the latest, most effective treatments tailored to each cancer patient’s individual needs,” said Derek Bergsma, medical director of radiation oncology at Trinity Health Grand Rapids. “As the only location in our state, and one of very few in the U.S., we’re fortunate to have this technology for our patients.” In addition to verifying tumor position in real time, the technology also “tracks patient and tumor motion during treatment, like breathing, and adjusts the delivery of the radiation beam in real time,” Trinity Health said. “With this greater control and improved accuracy, we can administer the optimal dose of radiation directly to the tumor to minimize radiation to surrounding healthy organs and tissues,” Bergsma said. “This means fewer short- and long-term side effects and reduces time on the treatment table, all major benefits to the patient.” Matt Biersack, president of Trinity Health Grand Rapids, said Radixact Radiation Therapy is “part of a major investment we’re making in Lacks Cancer Center.” “We’re expanding centers of excellence programs and adding new cancer specialists to our team,” he said. “As a comprehensive cancer center, we’re continuing our commitment to bringing the best cancer care to patients in West Michigan.”
