TrueBeam unit.
Groundbreaking radiation therapy technology, called TrueBeam STx, now gives doctors at Baptist Hospital of Miami the ability to treat many cancers that previously were difficult to treat because of their location near vital organs such as the heart or spinal cord or because of the tumor’s natural tendency to move within the body.
TrueBeam STx is versatile and can be used for all of the types of radiation therapy the hospital offers. Baptist is the only facility in Miami-Dade and Monroe counties to acquire the technology.
“TrueBeam STx has the ability to essentially target or ‘lock on’ to the tumor by checking thousands of location points every 10 milliseconds and selectively delivers radiation only when the tumor comes into range. This ability allows us to safely and effectively treat a greater number of complex cancers,” said Alan Lewin, MD, medical director of radiation oncology at Baptist. “And, by incorporating RapidArc technology, it shortens treatment time from hours to minutes.”
The new technology maximizes radiation to the tumor and minimizes exposure to healthy surrounding tissue by precisely sculpting the radiation beam to the tumor. Avoiding radiation to healthy tissue means a higher dose of radiation can be used.
“The higher dose, speed and precision of TrueBeam STx give patients an increased chance for cure while also minimizing side effects,” Dr. Lewin said. Baptist Health South Florida is the largest faith-based, not-for-profit healthcare organization in the region.
Baptist Health includes Baptist Hospital, Baptist Children’s Hospital, South Miami Hospital, Homestead Hospital, Doctors Hospital, Mariners Hospital, West Kendall Baptist Hospital, Baptist Cardiac & Vascular Institute, Baptist Outpatient Services and Baptist Health Medical Group.
