atients in the fight against cancer have a new, powerful ally on their side at Winthrop-University Hospital's new Radiation Oncology Center. One of the most advanced treatment centers of its kind, the Radiation Oncology Center provides the most targeted and powerful radiation therapy for cancer patients in this region.

The opening of the new Center marks Winthrop's ongoing commitment to patient care and its reputation as a primary healthcare resource in Nassau County. The acquisition of a three million dollar linear accelerator that provides quick, accurate and targeted radiation treatment, coupled with one of the most advanced CT simulators used for radiation treatment planning, offers a "one-two punch" in the fight against a wide range of cancers.

Utilizing the new, highly advanced ACQSIM CT simulator, physicians can reconstruct 3-D images of the tumor and surrounding sites to determine its exact size and location in relation to healthy tissue.

"All treatment planning is based on the initial CT scan. The data is then seamlessly transmitted to the linear accelerator through the advanced computer-based planning system, allowing for the most accurate delivery of radiation for each individual case," explained Alan Katz, MD, Director, Division of Radiation Oncology at Winthrop.

The new center also boasts the most advanced linear accelerator on the market today for radiation therapy- the Clinac® 21EX Platinum accelerator. This highly advanced equipment can be pre- programmed to conform to the exact shape and size of the tumor site for specific areas of the body, eliminating the risk of irradiating normal tissue.

"With this new, sophisticated Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), we are able to target the cancer site more precisely than ever before, avoiding healthy tissues and organs," said Dr. Katz. "Consequently, patients experience less side effects."

He explained that in IMRT, the computer planning system communicates with the linear accelerator how to change the intensity of the laser beams during treatment.

The high powered linear accelerator provides the prescribed dose of radiation therapy in approximately 30 seconds, allowing patients to come in and out of the new Center in a matter of 15 minutes. This, in addition to the fact that the facility, located at 264 Old Country Road in Mineola, is in close proximity to major highways as well as the Long Island Railroad, makes treatment convenient for many patients who come before or after work.

Harry Staszewski, MD, Chief, Division of Oncology/ Hematology in the Institute for Cancer Care added, "Winthrop's radiation professionals have always excelled in technical expertise and personalized care. Now they will have an additional, up-to-date facility close to the hospital campus to deliver that care. The location is ideal to integrate a patient's care with other modalities such as surgery and chemotherapy."

While undergoing radiation treatment, physicists and physicians monitor the patient in the control room and can communicate through the use of closed-circuit television and intercom systems, providing the patient with a sense of comfort and guidance during the procedure.

For more information on Winthrop's new, Radiation Oncology Center, call 516-742-5576 or 1-516-663-0333.