Radiation therapy uses X-rays or similar forms of radiation to shrink tumors and kill cancer cells.

The Cancer Center’s Varian Clinac iX linear accelerator provides targeted, state of the art radiation therapy. The linear accelerator delivers precisely targeted radiation to cancers while limiting radiation to other organs and tissue. It features the newest oncology technology giving doctors the ability to target and track tumors more accurately.

The linear accelerator is equipped with OBI (on-board imaging) that delivers radiation with pinpoint precision at any angle to virtually any treatment location in the body. OBI makes it possible to take 3D, 360° CT scans while the patient lies on the treatment couch.

During treatment, patients can appreciate the beauty of a field of Texas bluebonnets shown in a photo mural in the ceiling above the treatment couch.

The radiation oncologists use a CT scanner to simulate the setup of treatment portals to be treated on the linear accelerator.

Radiation treatments are administered at the Lou and Jack Finney Cancer Center Monday through Friday.

This one-time, high-tech procedure provides precise localized treatment for the many prostate tumors that can’t be treated effectively using the linear accelerator. Additionally, it helps reduce the amount of radiation exposure in surrounding healthy tissues.

Hunt Regional Medical Center’s Super Dimension Bronchoscope allows for early lung cancer detection. It can produce optical images, perform biopsies and remove fluid while directly examining a patient’s air passages. The procedure is performed in the Surgery Department (usually as day surgery) because it requires anesthesia.