ONE-OF-A-KIND RADIATION THERAPY CENTER PUTS IOWA IN FOREFRONT OF CANCER CARE, EDUCATION, AND RESEARCH

Take a moment to picture this spectacular patient care environment:

• Teams of compassionate specialists and sub-specialists who are international leaders in the field of radiation therapy
• Today's most advanced technologies and treatment options for patients with cancer and some benign lesions
• Visually appealing surroundings using muted color, cherry woods, comfortable couches, and etched glass era begins

Welcome to the Center of Excellence in Image-Guided Radiation Therapy at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

The $39.6 million facility, which opened in May 2005, is the world's first fully digitally integrated image-guided radiation therapy center. It employs multidisciplinary teams of radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, neurosurgeons, oncologic surgeons, and basic science researchers who partner with scientists at other leading cancer centers to assure that the center remains at the forefront of cancer treatment and discovery.

Specializing in the delivery of image- and optic-guided stereotactic therapy experts use technologies that lock on cancer sites with pinpoint accuracy. In fact, the targeted treatments are delivered to within 0.7 millimeters rather than the traditional five to 15 millimeters-a new level of precision that dramatically minimizes radiation contact with the patient's healthy tissue.

According to John Buatti, M.D., director of Radiation Oncology at UI Hospitals and Clinics, the center's imaging technology achieves this extreme precision by creating representations of the patient's anatomy in three dimensions-visual road maps for ultra-accurate delivery of radiation therapy.

"This is the only center of its kind to use computers for digital tracking throughout the treatment planning and delivery process for all patients," Buatti says. "It represents a significant improvement in cancer patient care."

The center is affiliated with Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, Iowa's only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer center.

It is housed within a new building west of the Pomerantz Family Pavilion, across the street from Kinnick Stadium. The new building also provides space for future growth and upcoming technologies used by specialists and sub-specialists at UI Hospitals and Clinics, the state's only comprehensive academic health center.

PATIENT AMENITIES

• Cancer Information Service, offering personal computers, Internet access, videos, and literature for patients to learn more about their diseases, information on clinical trials, and information on oncology support services
• Larger patient exam areas enabling experts from different departments to consult with patients
• Family reception areas providing a comfortable, homey atmosphere
• Pediatric play areas featuring bright, warm colors, television, VCR, games, and toys
• VIP Services staff members, giving patients convenient access to parking

LEADING TECHNOLOGIES

• Intensity modulated radiotherapy
  This treatment shapes radiation beams for many types of tumors, especially of the head and neck. It delivers higher radiation doses to the patient's tumor and less to normal tissue.
• Radiosurgery
  Unique patents held by specialists at Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center make radiosurgery less invasive for patients with many types of brain tumors. This technology delivers one-time or multi-treatment radiation doses to precisely targeted areas.
• Ultrasound guided extracranial radiosurgery
  Combines 3D ultrasound and computer guidance to minimize damage to tissue surrounding tumors for treatments outside of the patient's skull.
• HDR brachytherapy
  Delivers a radioactive source directly to the patient's tumor quickly, with precision and little radiation, without requiring an overnight hospital visit.
• Multi-dimensional treatment planning and tracking
  Three- and soon-to-be-fourdimensional treatment planning and tracking account for the patient's breathing movements during the radiation beam delivery.
• Simulation
  This process uses advanced imaging such as positron emission tomography, computed tomography, and 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging that produces superb imaging and permits specialists to analyze the chemical makeup and function of areas in the tumor and surrounding tissues.

"Cancer patients from Iowa and elsewhere now have access to today's most advanced cancer care in an atmosphere of warmth and comfort.

John Buatti, M.D.

This center sets the stage for a promising new generation of cancer treatments-radiation sensitizers and gene therapy-in tandem with stereotactically directed radiation. It will help us attract additional research funding to the state."

George Weiner, M.D.

PRESCRIPTION FOR RADIATION
Based on an extremely precise radiation delivery map, patients receive treatment via a linear accelerator.