Cancer machine
A SPECIALIST technique being used at a Redlands cancer clinic means women with left-sided breast cancer no longer need to drive to Brisbane for treatment.
A Radiation Oncology Centres spokesperson said the introduction of Deep Inspiration Breath Hold technology to its Redlands facility meant potential impacts to a patient’s heart could be reduced during treatment.
“The process involves the patient holding their breath for short bursts during radiation treatment, which allows the heart to move further away from the radiation field,” the spokesperson said.
The technique was introduced after the Weippin Street facility was opened in April this year.
ROC co-founder and Radiation Oncologist, Associate Professor Jonathan Ramsay, said the DIBH method ensured local cancer patients could receive treatment on their doorstep.
”We provide access to the best possible treatment in a caring and supportive environment, which is something the local community deserves,” he said.
Birkdale woman Michelle Schmidt was the first patient to receive DIBH at the centre after being diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year.
“After a few practices of the breathing technique, it was easy and I felt comfort knowing I was being treated with a preventative measure to protect my heart,” she said.
RROC, which treats private and public patients, is owned and operated by commercial provider Icon Group.
Icon Group chief executive officer said the Redlands’ facility used the latest technology for cancer care.
“ROC Redland is equipped with the latest, most cutting-edge technology available for radiation oncology therapy, to better target and treat cancer in the most effective and safe way,” he said.
As reported previously by the Bulletin, the site used Veritas bunker technology when it first opened doors, with precision radiation delivered by the Varian TrueBeam linear accelerator.
The bunker technology, in an Australian first, enabled radiology gear to be used without the need for a concrete structure.
