New Tools
For Cancer Patients

               by Dr. Charles Albrecht, Director, Finger Lakes Radiation Oncology

Radiation treatments for cancer patients have improved immeasurably in recent years.  This has resulted in more effective therapy and far better outcomes.  Imaging for cancer is one of these areas.  But what is it, and why is it important?  Dr. Charles Albrecht of Finger Lakes Radiation Oncology in Clifton Springs explains.

When a patient is receiving radiation treatments for cancer it is important to know that the radiation beams are aimed exactly as planned.  Images obtained on the treatment machine are compared to those developed during treatment planning, and adjustments to the patient’s position can be made as necessary.  Because it is possible to compare several images captured on different days and compensate for differences in exposure, it is much easier to identify the small changes in position that can make a big difference in the safety and effectiveness of radiation treatment. The radiation oncologist is able to notate any changes directly onto the image.

Diagnostic radiologists and radiation oncologists have always relied on specially designed photographic film to take the X-ray pictures used in patient care. The film contains a silver compound which undergoes a chemical reaction on exposure to light.  A series of chemical baths develops the image.  One main difference between X-ray photography and the more familiar family photos is that the film needs to be put into a flat device called a cassette to form a sharp image.

During the past decade, many radiology departments have converted to digital technology.  This eliminates the discharge of toxic chemicals into the environment and makes it far easier to store images. It is also easier to compare digital images with older examinations or with different types of diagnostic studies. Images can be enhanced, stored, and copied easily, facilitating numerous medical applications.

There are two basic types of digital medical imaging.  In digital radiography, electronic sensors located in the X-ray equipment capture the image, similar to technology used in digital cameras.  Because this requires complete replacement of all equipment, many radiology and radiation oncology practices, like those at Clifton Springs Hospital and Finger Lakes Radiation Oncology Center, use what is called computerized radiography. 

Computerized radiography uses traditional cassettes, but a Memory Phosphor Plate is used instead of film.  The images on this plate are scanned into a computer just as the pictures on a digital camera are transferred to a home computer.  This is much faster than chemical processing and shortens the time a patient needs to lie on the treatment table while the therapist develops the image.

It is no longer necessary to find storage space for thousands of films at the end of a course of treatment.  A patient’s images are copied onto a CD which can be viewed on a computer.  If a patient needs radiation therapy in the future, it is much easier to review the initial treatment course: this is especially important if two or more courses of treatment are given at different facilities.

Computerized radiography benefits cancer patients by making it easier to identify and treat areas involved by cancer.  This is only one of many positive developments in medical care over the last few years. 

ROCHESTER RESOURCE
Finger Lakes Radiation Oncology
7 Ambulance Dr.
Clifton Springs, NY 14432
(315) 462-5711