Construction workers burrowed deep before piecing together a new structure that climbs impressively skyward at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

It’s the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center’s new Center of Excellence in Image-Guided Radiation Therapy.

Opening this summer, the five-story building houses the world’s most advanced technologies for targeting beams of radiation at the patient’s cancer while minimizing contact with healthy tissue.

The precision targeting—treatment can be delivered to within tenths of a millimeter rather than the traditional five to 15 millimeters— is enhanced by sophisticated imaging equipment that creates three-dimensional computer representations of the patient.

These technologies deliver quicker, higher doses of radiation to the patient’s cancer, reducing treatment side effects and, in some cases, eliminating the need for traditional surgery.

Advanced service and care options at the Center of Excellence via the Department of Radiation Oncology include:

• Radiosurgery
• Ultrasound Guided Extracranial Radiosurgery
• HDR Brachytherapy
• Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)

Learn more about Iowa’s most advanced radiation treatment center in the next PACEMAKER