Radiation Oncology in Lake Charles

State-of-the-Art Cancer Care

Radiation treatment can target and shrink tumors as well as kill cancer cells. The Radiation Oncology Department at Lake Charles Memorial Health System is the top facility for cancer treatment in Southwest Louisiana, comparable to facilities in large metropolitan areas.

Trilogy, our two linear accelerators, utilize advanced technology such as Smart Arc and Align RT. Close to 3 in 5 of cancer patients will receive radiation therapy, intensity-modulated linear accelerators utilize a radiation technology that more accurately pinpoints and destroys cancer cells in less time and fewer side effects. We also utilize computerized real-time positioning during radiation treatment sessions to manage the motion of cancerous tumors.

Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)

Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) gives radiation oncologists the tools and technology necessary to pinpoint and destroy cancer cells using non-invasive therapy. Imaging technology such as computed tomography (CT) gives the oncologist a three-dimensional image of the growth. This allows for precision in planning treatment of cancer and eradication of the tumors using radiation therapy. Our technology enables us to maximize control of the radiation in order to precisely focus beams and protect surrounding healthy parts of the body.

Align RT

Align RT uses the leading Surface Guided Radiation Therapy (SGRT). During treatment, a patient's motion is tracked by AlignRT and detects tiny differences in breathing to ensure radiation is stopped until the patient is correctly positioned. The system can sense even tiny movements with sub-millimeter accuracy. This technology has been shown to help reduce radiation exposure to the heart while treating left-breast cancer. The cancer is treated, and the heart is protected.

SmartArc

SmartArc technology is used for Volumetric Intensity Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT), which allows fast and precise radiation therapy. This advanced form of treatment quickly rotates the linear accelerator around the patient while the treatment beam is on and is designed to significantly reduce treatment time compared with traditional methods, allow greater treatment accuracy, and reduce radiation dose to healthy tissue. This provides treatment plans that are comparable to standard IMRT plans but with shorter treatment time.

Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation (APBI)

Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation (APBI) is a breast radiation therapy in which focused radiation is delivered specifically to the part of the breast where the tumor was removed and in a shorter timeframe. APBI treatments can be administered via brachytherapy or through external radiation beam techniques. Requirements for APBI typically include a small tumor, clear surgical margins after a lumpectomy and preferably no lymph nodes containing cancer. Therefore, APBI may be a suitable treatment option for women with early-stage breast cancer.

Brachytherapy

For certain types of cancer - including gynecologic cancer, prostate cancer, esophageal cancer, breast cancer, and lung cancer - is brachytherapy, which essentially means "short distance therapy." This technologically advanced and complex method can be accomplished in minutes and utilizes tiny sources of radioactivity seeds which are precisely placed internally directly beside tumors using a high dose rate to destroy cancerous growths.

Deep Inspiration Breath Hold (DIBH)

Deep Inspiration Breath Hold (DIBH) is a radiation therapy technique where patients take a deep breath during treatment and hold this breath while the radiation is delivered. By taking a deep breath in, your lungs fill with air and your heart will move away from your chest. DIBH can be useful in situations where radiation therapy is necessary in the chest region, and it is desired to avoid radiation dose to the heart. DIBH involves matching the delivery of radiation to the breath hold in order to limit the amount of your heart exposed to the radiation beam during treatment. The radiation therapy team provides coaching to patients requiring this technique.

1701 Oak Park Boulevard
Lake Charles, LA 70601
(337) 494-2121