Alan J. Katz, MD, JD, Chief, Radiation Oncology, Radiology Department, (standing) utilizes the dual component Peacock® system on Albert McDonal, a patient diagnosed with a meningioma, a benign brain tumor.
The Peacock® System
- Heightens Accuracy
- Increases Dosage
- Spares Healthy Tissue
 adiation oncologists at Winthrop are using the region’s most sophisticated external beam radiation therapy system that combines computerized treatment planning with the ability to shape the beam of radiotherapy. Medically eligible patients diagnosed with tumors of the head and neck, brain, spine, and prostate, are benefiting from the new Peacock® system. Winthrop’s specialists are able to treat specific, localized tumors with a higher dose of radiation and a greater degree of accuracy.
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“With Peacock®, the beam of radiotherapy can be more expertly modulated, sparing healthy tissue.” |
Alan J. Katz, MD, JD
Chief, Radiation Oncology
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One of the Peacock system’s unique components is Mimic®, a multi-leaf collimator that allows radiation oncologists to shape the beam of radiotherapy precisely to the shape of the tumor. Mimic also incorporates “intensity modulation,” enabling practitioners to continually adjust the beam’s intensity. With this degree of control, specialists can deliver higher doses of radiation to the tumor, and lower doses to adjacent healthy tissue.
Another benefit of Peacock is Corvus™, the only computer planning system on the market that utilizes inverse treatment planning. This means that the physician maps out both the tumor and healthy tissue. Then, the Corvus computer calculates, with amazing accuracy, the delivery of appropriate levels of radiation to the specific site. The Hospital’s existing linear accelerator serves as the radiation source.
“Prior to obtaining the Peacock system, the physician and physicist plotted the fields, and the beam intensity was constant,” said Alan J. Katz, MD, JD, Chief, Radiation Oncology at Winthrop. “Now, we use the computer to plan treatment with greater precision. Being equipped with the Peacock system’s two major elements makes Winthrop’s service unique on Long Island,” Dr. Katz added.
Dr. Katz and his colleague, Jonathan Haas, MD, Faculty Attending, Radiation Oncology Section, provide the treatment. A physicist, Jinchu Huang, PhD, supports the team with technical expertise.
The Peacock system complements the full range of cancer treatment options at Winthrop, which include surgery, radiation, medical oncology, and supportive care.
For further information on the Peacock system, contact Dr. Katz at (516) 663-2501.
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