TomoTherapy for Precision Cancer Treatment - Rush U. Med. Ctr. in Chicago



Bone Marrow Transplant Gynecologic Oncology Myeloid Disease



Cancer Center


Cancer Programs




Prostate Cancer Study Hematology/Oncology Trials Weight Management in Breast Cancer Survivors

TomoTherapy

What is TomoTherapy?

TomoTherapy is a relatively new form of cancer treatment that addresses two important aspects of cancer treatment simultaneously with one device: finding the exact location of a tumor and destroying it.

TomoTherapy uses computed tomography (CT) to scan for the most current location of the tumor and treats that spot only, protecting healthy tissue that surrounds it.

Three-dimensional images from the CT scan and special software help the doctor plot the exact location of a tumor and all the areas around it that should be protected from radiation. Once the doctor determines how much radiation the tumor should receive and how much radiation surrounding areas can receive, the system calculates the pattern, position and intensity of the radiation beam that the machine will deliver.

Taking a CT scan immediately before treatment ensures that doctors can verify a tumor’s location and adjust the patient’s position if necessary to make sure the radiation reaches its precise target.

Because of the remarkable accuracy of TomoTherapy, it is possible to direct a higher dose of radiation at a tumor with a lower risk of affecting surrounding tissues and organs.

Radiation Therapy
at Rush

When it comes to treating cancer, experience matters. And Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois, has it, with one of the Midwest’s largest and most comprehensive cancer treatment programs, combining leading-edge therapies with vital emotional support.

At Rush, we see radiation therapy as part of the big picture. For many patients, radiation is a critical piece of their treatment plan. However, each patient has different needs, so we offer a variety of options, from intensity-modulated radiation therapy to radioactive implants to radiosurgery. Many of these treatments are not widely available. That’s why Rush is regarded as a leader in radiation therapy in the Chicago area.

For more information, visit the Radiation Oncology home page.

Looking for Other Health Information?

Visit our Health Information home page.

or
Visit Discover Rush’s Web Resource page to find articles on health topics and recent health news from Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois. You will also find many helpful links to other areas of our site.

Looking for a Doctor?

Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois, is a leader in caring for people of all ages, from newborns through older adults.

Just phone (888) 352-RUSH or (888) 352-7874 for help finding the Rush doctor who’s right for you.



Cancer Treatment Cancer Center - Home page TomoTherapy