Why did Cayuga Medical Center decide to build a radiation medicine facility?

For several years, Tompkins County and Finger Lakes region cancer patients have chosen to travel long distances to receive radiation therapy treatment. With the new radiation medicine center, which will be operated in conjunction with Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) in Buffalo, NY, patients will have access to comprehensive treatment in their own community. Construction of the radiation medicine center reinforces the commitment of Cayuga Medical Center at Ithaca to provide area cancer patients with high quality, technologically advanced radiation therapy services.

What type of technology does the radiation medicine center contain?

The center is equipped with a Varian 21 EX Linear Accelerator that is configured to deliver Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), considered today to be the state-of-the-art in conformal radiation therapy. IMRT enables clinicians to deliver high doses of radiation to cancer tumors while substantially reducing the risk to surrounding normal tissue. The linear accelerator also provides respiratory gating and portal imaging that helps to better focus the radiation treatments.

What kinds of cancer can be treated with the IMRT Linear Accelerator?

All cancers that respond to radiation therapy can be treated with the Linear Accelerator, including prostate, breast, head and neck, lung, colorectal and brain tumors.

When will the first patients be seen at the new radiation medicine center?

Cayuga Medical Center Radiation Medicine will open on Monday, January 17, 2005. The first radiation therapy treatments will begin following patient consultations.

How do patients access radiation medicine services at Cayuga Medical Center?

A patient’s primary care physician, oncologist, or surgeon will assist with the referral.

What does the affiliation with Roswell Park Cancer Institute mean to cancer patients in our community?

Most importantly, the affiliation elevates the level of care available to Thompkins County and Finger Lakes region cancer patients and provides them with vastly improved access to state-of-the-art services. Patients also will benefit from the fact that cancer specialists at CMC will be able to collaborate with RPCI specialists in developing treatment plans. In addition, the partnership between CMC and RPCI will make it much easier for patients to obtain a second opinion about their diagnosis or treatment plan if they desire one. Cancer patients also will have easier access to clinical trials at Roswell Park.

How will cancer specialists at CMC benefit from the affiliation?

Cayuga Medical Center medical staff members will have the opportunity to participate in cancer care teleconferences, joint tumor board meetings and grand rounds with their RPCI colleagues. There also may be opportunities for collaborative research, participation by CMC specialists in national clinical trials, and the development of community outreach initiatives.