The Thoracic Oncology Program includes radiation oncologists with special expertise in treating lung cancer, esophageal cancer and other thoracic malignancies. Patients at UCSF have access to the most innovative and promising technologies and treatments. In radiation oncology, UCSF offers a wide array of advanced technological options, all designed to target tumors more specifically and protect normal organs from injury.
3D CRT and IMRT
For example, either three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D CRT) or intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) can be used to calculate the optimal dose of radiation. 3D CRT and IMRT use computer programming to deliver a higher, more concentrated radiation dose to the tumor, sparing the surrounding healthy tissue. These treatments may be combined with additional technologies designed to define the tumor shape, map the motion of the tumor, or verify the accurate delivery of radiation to the tumor.
Four-dimensional Computed Tomography (4D CT)
Four-dimensional Computed Tomography (4D CT) To define the tumor for radiation planning, a computed tomography scan (CT scan) is used. If needed, our department will acquire a specially formatted four-dimensional computed tomography (4D CT) scanner that can produce multiple series of scans showing how a tumor moves with breathing. This type of scanner reduces the uncertainty that occurs with breathing motion and thus, the doctor can design the radiation even more specifically to target only the tumor. To verify the radiation dose delivery, your doctor may use conebeam computed tomography, another means for mapping the tumor's position with breathing.
PET in Radiation Treatment Planning
Another innovation is the use of positron emission tomography (PET) in radiation treatment planning. PET is a significant breakthrough in diagnostic care that allows biological information about the tumor to be integrated into the usual CT scan. Using PET combined with CT scanning in radiation treatment planning helps to better delineate the active parts of the tumor, thus avoiding damage to normal tissues and reducing toxicity.
CyberKnife
UCSF is one of the few centers in California with a CyberKnife. The CyberKnife - one of the most advanced forms of radiosurgery - is a painless, non-invasive treatment that delivers high doses of precisely targeted radiation to destroy tumors within the body. CyberKnife uses a robotic arm to deliver highly focused beams of radiation. Many lung cancer patients, previously thought to be untreatable with surgery or conventional radiation, have been successfully with CyberKnife. CyberKnife treatment can also be offered for many types of lung cancer metastases in the brain, spine, or body.
Treatment of Brain Metastases in Lung Cancer
At UCSF, patients with small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) are sometimes offered Prophylactic Cranial Irradiation (PCI) radiotherapy to prevent their disease from spreading to the brain, an area where the risk of spread is very high. For patients who have developed lung cancer metastases in the brain, UCSF houses a renowned program in Gamma Knife Radiosurgery.
Clinical Trials
A number of clinical trials are open for patients with various types of lung cancer. Your radiation oncology doctor may suggest a research study sponsored through UCSF or one of our affiliated medical centers. Whether or not are on a study, your radiation oncologist will work closely with your surgeon and medical oncologist to design the best treatment plan for you,