Samsung NeuroLogica Corporation, the healthcare subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co, Ltd, has announced that the University of Wisconsin (UW) Carbone Cancer Center in Madison acquired and is incorporating NeuroLogica’s BodyTom technology into its radiation oncology brachytherapy planning process. UW Carbone Cancer Center is the first center in the world to use the BodyTom scanner for brachytherapy treatment.
The 32-slice portable CT scanner will be stationed in the brachytherapy suite, enabling patients to undergo radiation imaging, planning, and treatment in a single location. It is designed to help medical physicists and radiation oncologists map out a course of treatment at the point of care, in real time.
“Having in-room, high-quality CT imaging removes the need for patient transfer while under anesthesia during the procedure to a separate CT suite, and provides opportunities for pre- and post-implant quality assessment, and we can use the BodyTom CT in both of our suites without duplication of equipment for each room,” said Greg Cooley, MD.
Radiation oncologists at UW Carbone Cancer Center use high-dose-rate brachytherapy to treat forms of prostate, breast, gynecological, and lung cancers. Radioactive sources are temporarily inserted inside tumors or areas of interest; this process enables precise delivery of high doses in a short time. The BodyTom produces 3-D images to aid this process and can also be used to double-check the placement of radioactive implants, and make adjustments as necessary, without moving the patient.
“Hospital departments across the country recognize the value BodyTom can bring to patient care and efficient work practices,” said Philip Sullivan, Samsung NeuroLogica president and CEO. “Bringing BodyTom into the brachytherapy suite, especially one as well respected as UW’s Carbone Cancer Center, is a testament to BodyTom’s versatility.”
