BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. — The Cecil B. Highland, Jr. & Barbara B. Highland Cancer Center at United Hospital Center (UHC), a partner of the WVU Cancer Institute, is proud to announce a major upgrade to its radiation oncology department with the installation of the Varian TrueBeam linear accelerator. This state-of-the-art technology, known for its precision and speed, marks a significant step forward in offering advanced, personalized cancer treatment closer to home for residents of the Central West Virginia region.
The Varian TrueBeam system represents a new era in radiotherapy, allowing for more precise dosage delivery while protecting surrounding healthy tissue. This technology facilitates innovation and collaboration, resulting in new treatment options for patients and new advances in the fight against cancer.
“The addition of the Varian TrueBeam is a game changer for our patients,” said David Anthony Clump II, MD, PhD, Radiation Oncologist. “It is not just about having the latest technology; it is about providing better, faster, and more comfortable care. TrueBeam delivers precise dosage quickly, providing treatments that help give our patients their time back”.
Key benefits of the new TrueBeam system at UHC include:
Speed and Efficiency: Treatments that once took 10 to 30 minutes can now be completed in just a few minutes, reducing the time patients spend on the treatment table.
High Precision and Accuracy: The system provides sub-millimeter accuracy, ensuring that radiation is directed specifically at the tumor, minimizing dose to surrounding healthy tissue.
Advanced Imaging: The TrueBeam generates 3-D images in 60 percent less time than other technologies, allowing for precise, real-time tumor targeting.
Motion Management: The system compensates for tumor motion, such as breathing, ensuring accuracy even for cancers in the lung, breast, or abdomen.
“This investment underscores UHC’s commitment to offering comprehensive cancer care to the community, reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for top-tier treatment in the region,” said Meredith Williams, Regional Director of Cancer Services for WVU Medicine’s Central Region.
The installation is part of a broader, continued effort to enhance cancer services, following recent advancements in surgical imaging and facility updates.
For more information about the new radiation oncology capabilities at the UHC Cancer Center, please call 681-342-1842.