At Yakima's North Star Lodge, the setting is part of the state-of-the-art cancer treatment Sun, Scenery and Chemo, a recent article in The Oregonian.

Comprehensive Radiation Oncology Technology in Yakima Now Includes Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy and Image-guided Radiation Therapy

2007 marks the 50th Anniversary of radiation treatments offered in the Yakima Valley by Memorial's Family of Services. In that time, Memorial, and more recently North Star Lodge, has become a leading medical resource in radiation oncology solutions. With invaluable input from the community and clinical collaborators in the valley, North Star Lodge's medical team provides comprehensive treatments using an array of state-of-the-art technology equal to that available at many world-renowned facilities.

What is IMRT?

Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) is an advanced form of three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT). It uses sophisticated software and hardware to vary the shape and intensity of radiation delivered to different parts of the treatment area. It is one of the most precise forms of external beam radiation therapy available in the United States.

How does it work?

Like conventional 3DCRT, IMRT links CT, MRI and PET scans to treatment planning software that allows the cancerous area to be visualized in three dimensions; 3DCRT and IMRT differ in how the pattern and volume of radiation delivered to the tumor is determined. In IMRT, the physician designates specific doses of radiation that the tumor and normal surrounding tissues should receive. The physics team then uses a sophisticated computer program to develop an individualized treatment plan. Individual daily treatments with IMRT are slightly longer than with 3DCRT, but result in generally reduced side effects for the patient. Accuracy of treatment delivery is further enhanced by using image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) along with IMRT.

Which cancers are treated using IMRT?

IMRT is used to treat select patients with prostate cancer, head and neck cancer, some brain tumors, some breast cancers, and selected soft tissue tumors. Treatments using this technique began at North Star Lodge in March 2007.

What is IGRT?

Image-guided radiation therapy is technology that allows clinicians to locate a tumor target prior to each radiation therapy treatment. IGRT, implemented at North Star Lodge in the fall of 2006, uses patient positioning devices and imaging tools to target tumors more precisely. This dramatically reduces the need for large target margins, resulting in reduced exposure of healthy tissue and ultimately reduced side effects.

What is the significance of IMRT and IGRT at North Star Lodge?

The implementation of IMRT furthers the vision to bring together the most comprehensive, technically-advanced oncology solutions available to serve our patients. When used along with standard external beam radiation, intensity modulated radiation therapy, high dose rate brachytherapy, low dose rate brachytherapy, stereotactic radiosurgery, radiopharmaceuticals and IGRT, physicians and their medical teams report the highest success rate with fewer side effects. IGRT takes a precise treatment like IMRT and makes it even more accurate by providing the treatment team a real-time view of where within the patient the beam is targeted.

Where is this treatment available?

While elements of this treatment are available throughout Washington state, North Star Lodge offers comprehensive radiation therapy in a centralized facility to provide increased convenience for patients.

What Are Some of the Goals for North Star Lodge?

• IGRT that takes tumor motion with respiration (respiratory gating) into consideration
• Continue to institute programs and clinical trials emphasizing the role of exercise, nutrition and other complementary therapies to augment treatment and reduce side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy