Cancer Center to Expand Leading-Edge Radiation Treatment Technology

Enhanced Precision in Radiation Treatment for Hammond Area Patients

  (Hammond, LA) Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Hammond now offers greater precision in radiation therapy with the addition of the Elekta Agility multileaf collimator (MLC). The Agility MLC is a radiation beam shaping device integrated with the existing Elekta Infinity radiation therapy system, which is used for the treatment of many cancer types. The Agility MLC works by using adjustable “leaves,” or shields, which can block a portion of the radiation beam to customize the shape of radiation treatment to a patient’s unique cancer. The integration of Agility MLC with Elekta’s Infinity linear accelerator offers:

• Patented technology that provides exquisite conformance to tumor size, shape and volume
• Delivery of high-definition radiation beams for both small and large, complex targets
• Shorter treatment times, resulting in increased patient comfort and convenience

Patients currently undergoing radiation treatment at the Cancer Center are already receiving the benefits associated with the Agility MLC, as it became operational in October. “We’re excited to offer this upgraded technology for our patients in Hammond,” said Andrew Elson, M.D., radiation oncologist. “This state-of-the-art device allows us to more precisely limit radiation only to the affected area, minimizing the impact to nearby healthy tissue and improving outcomes and quality of life for our patients.” Jonas Fontenot, Ph.D., chief of medical physics and chief operating officer, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, said Agility MLC maximizes the potential of the current advanced technology offered at the Hammond location. “The Elekta Infinity linear accelerator is the Swiss Army Knife of radiation therapy,” said Dr. Fontenot. “It is used for a wide range of treatment options, and with the introduction of the Agility MLC, it offers enhanced precision for the treatment of each unique condition.” For more information on the Agility multileaf collimator and how to access the treatment in the Hammond area please visit marybird.org/hammond.   Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center is a regional cancer care organization that has been fighting cancer for more than 40 years. With five centers in Baton Rouge, Covington, Hammond, Houma and Gonzales, its service area encompasses 18 parishes across southeast Louisiana. For more information, please visit www.marybird.org.