Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center offers AlignRT® system for Surface
Guided Radiation Therapy (SGRT). This system, from Vision RT, will particularly
benefit some patients suffering from cancer of the left breast, as it
can aid in their protection of the heart.
When treating left-breast cancer, we take extra precautions to make sure that every patient receives minimal radiation exposure during treatment. For some patients, we utilize a technique called Deep Inspiration Breath Hold (DIBH) to move the heart away from the breast during therapy. However, achieving this can be challenging. Patients breathe in different ways at different times, and may arch their back to simulate a deep breath in. These different movements can appear similar to a patient’s true breath hold, but do not necessarily separate the heart from the breast.
If you are a candidate, AlignRT can help us make sure your heart is in the right place. Using three camera units to monitor thousands of points on your skin, AlignRT can detect any motion as you hold your breath — side to side, up and down, forward and back and more — with sub-millimeter accuracy. So if you move out of position, the radiation beam is automatically turned off. Your cancer is treated. And your heart is protected.
In addition, for patients receiving radiation therapy as part of their treatment plan, “tattoo-less” radiotherapy using Surface Guided Radiation Therapy (SGRT) is available.
Radiation can be a powerful treatment for breast cancer.
Since left breast is very close to your heart, we work to make sure that the radiation treatment you need does not adversely impact your heart.
At Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center we may use AlignRT®, the premier radiation therapy guidance system, which has been shown to reduce radiation exposure to your heart while you’re treated for left-breast cancer.
Proven Safe.
A recent study¹ showed that AlignRT + DIBH (Deep Inspiration Breath Hold) effectively prevented radiation-induced abnormalities in blood flow to the heart. Of the breast cancer patients treated, 0% showed these abnormalities after six months.
This compares to a previous study without AlignRT or DIBH, where 27% of patients showed new abnormalities in blood flow to the heart 6 months after radiation therapy².
Learn More
With AlignRT®, we’re using the latest technology to protect your heart in treating your cancer.
For more information, or to find out if you are candidate, please call 973.322. 5630.
AlignRT® is a medical device for prescription use, with FDA 510(k) clearance. Refer to the product guide for information on intended uses, warnings and precautions. There are no known side effects or contraindications. www.saferradiationtherapy.com
*This is a typical treatment for left breast radiation therapy; individual circumstances may vary.
¹Zagar et al. Prospective Assessment of Deep Inspiration Breath Hold to Prevent Radiation Associated Cardiac Perfusion Defects in Patients With Left-Sided Breast Cancer J Appl Clin Med Phys. ;93:3S 2027, plus recent personal communication
²Marks et al. The incidence and functional consequences of RT‑associated cardiac perfusion defects. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2005 Sep 1;63(1):214-23.
