What is Tomotherapy?
Tomotherapy (Tomo) is a state-of the-art radiation therapy external-beam technology that is very different from other types of modern IMRT systems. Instead of using a large treatment area through a few individual beam positions, tomo delivers radiation through a precise, fine beam utilizing all 360 degrees of rotation around the body. This allows exceptional accuracy in targeting tumors, while protecting nearby sensitive normal tissues from excess radiation. Tomo's sophisticated treatment machinery and software allow the doctor to sculpt the radiation as best meets each patient's individual treatment goals. Tomo also incorporates daily image guided treatment setup, which permits verification that the treatment is delivered accurately.

How does tomo differ from other types of radiation therapy?
Receiving treatment with Tomo is similar to undergoing a CT scan. In fact, part of each tomo treatment is actually a special CT scan, which your treatment team uses to verify that the treatment is "on target" every day -- they also have the ability to make any necessary adjustments to assure accurate treatment delivery. With tomo, much of the uncertainty of daily treatment setup is eliminated, so less margin for error has to be built into the treatment plan. That means that tumors can be treated aggressively, with less radiation than with other technologies.

What can I expect when receiving treatment with tomo?
Like other forms of radiation therapy, tomo treatments are invisible and painless. Although all forms of radiation therapy can cause certain side effects over time, many patients report fewer side effects with tomo because less of the body is subjected to the full radiation dose. Each daily treatment takes just a few minutes, and the entire treatment course can range from three days to nine weeks. Your FROG doctor will select the best treatment for you, based upon your individual needs.

For which conditions is tomo best suited?
Your FROG doctor will determine how a particular tumor can best be treated. Tomo often offers meaningful benefits, both in allowing high doses of radiation to be delivered accurately and in protecting nearby tissues. There are also situations in which a different technology might provide comparable, sometimes better, results. Your FROG doctor has the opportunity to choose which technology is best for each individual patient.

Are there any side effects with tomo?
Every type of cancer treatment can cause side effects. While it is not possible to predict which specific issues an individual patient might experience, your FROG doctor can tell you what to expect based upon your recommended treatment. In general, most patients tolerate modern radiation therapy treatments very well. Tomo can often further decrease the risk of some types of side effects.

What if I have received radiation therapy before? Can I still be treated with tomo?
That depends upon a number of factors. If you require treatment to an area that previously received radiation therapy, a speciailzed type of radiation therapy might be necessary to decrease risks of re-treatment. Tomo is often excellent for this because of its ability to sculpt the radiation dose around sensitive areas. In addition, smaller treatment fields possible with tomo minimize the amount of re-treated normal tissue. Re-treatment is a very special, individualized consideration - your FROG doctor will thoroughly discuss your options with you. FROG offers several excellent options for this challenging situation.

How can I find out if tomo is a good choice for me and where can I find more information about tomo?
Because of FROG's extensive network of physicians and facilities, we are able to select the best option for each of our patients. Your FROG doctor will let you know if tomo is appropriate for you. Additional information is available at www.capitalcancercenter.com, www.tomotherapy.com, or by calling our Tomotherapy center directly, at (850) 878-2273.