More Precise Radiation Technology - KCBD NewsChannel 11 Lubbock

For some time, doctors have been able to aim radiation directly to a tumor, but the patient had to be still because the technology couldn't compensate for motion during the treatment, such as breathing or bladder or bowel changes.

Now a new machine, called the Trilogy Linear Accelerator has a built-in three dimensional CT scanner. So, doctors in Providence, Rhode Island are using it to target tumors...even if the target is moving.

"The advantage with better targeting is if you avoid normal tissue you can spare those normal tissues from some radiation damage," says Dr. Thomas DiPetrillo, Oncologist.

Dr. DiPetrillo says this new technology is effective in treating all kinds of cancers and we'll let you know when it becomes available in Lubbock.