Cornwall – Cancer survivors, physicians, elected officials and other community members gathered October 1st to celebrate the opening of Cornwall Radiation Oncology Services (CROS), which, for the first time, brings advanced TomoTherapy cancer treatment technology to Orange County. The new radiation oncology center is located in the new, $23 million Littman Cancer Center on the Cornwall campus of St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital. CROS is a partnership between SLCH and Cornwall Advanced Services, LLC. Michael Wesson, MD, a prominent radiation oncologist, is clinical advisor for the venture; mpowermed, inc. – a project development firm specializing in radiation oncology – confirmed the need for these services in our community and helped guide the initiative.
"We’re bringing the best of the best in cancer treatment close to home," said SLCH President and CEO Allan E. Atzrott in welcoming guests to the ribbon-cutting ceremony. "The opening of this extraordinary radiation oncology center marks the completion of the first phase of our commitment to bring cutting-edge cancer care to our community. We’re treating mind, body and spirit to ease the journey for cancer patients and their families."
TomoTherapy, which has been called a "quantum leap" in radiation treatment, integrates advanced CT imaging and 360-degree delivery for greater accuracy and precision. It targets radiation treatment to the patient’s tumor, while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. Unlike traditional radiation therapy equipment, the system uses an on-board CT scanner that allows true CT images of a patient’s anatomy to be created with the same equipment used to treat the patient, thereby bringing clinicians unprecedented confidence that tumors will receive their intended dosage from one day to the next. Cancer patients typically receive daily, 15- to 30-minute doses of radiation for a period of weeks or months. Treatments are painless.
In addition to the CT image that can be taken for every patient, every day, another major difference is the way that radiation hits the treatment area. A single beam of radiation is modulated into smaller "beamlets," which are delivered in a helical pattern in a 360° radius around the patient. Typically, tens of thousands of beamlets are included in this unique delivery pattern. With that many beamlets, delivered from all angles around the patient, the dose conforms to the tumor and avoids critical organs like never before—which can mean improved outcomes and fewer side effects.
"We’re proud to partner with St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital in enhancing cancer care in Orange County," said Dr. Wesson. "This unique Image-Guided and Itensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IGRT/IMRT) provides unparalleled accuracy in delivering radiation to shrink cancerous tumors. Patients benefit tremendously from accelerated tumor shrinkage, as well as minimized damage to healthy tissue. It’s all about quality of life."
"It’s important to have the best technology – but it’s the people providing the care that make all the difference," said Atzrott. The SLCH President introduced the Cornwall Radiation Oncology Services team, as well as several physicians providing cancer care in our community. Atzrott also welcomed representatives from SLCH’s clinical affiliate, The Mount Sinai Hospital, through which cancer patients will have access to expanded services and clinical trials.
With the first phase of the Littman Cancer Center – Cornwall Radiation Oncology Services – completed, evolution of the remaining facilities and services continues. The Center will include an expanded infusion/chemotherapy suite, physicians’ offices and a patient and family education, support and meeting space called The Gathering Place. Advocates known as patient navigators will help coordinate care and services for cancer patients and their families.
