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Over the last few decades, promising new radiation technologies have been developed that safely deliver more accurate, higher doses of radiation, treating cancer more effectively while minimizing side effects. One of these exciting state-of-the-art technologies is the Calypso® 4D Localization System, an innovative technology for the treatment of prostate patients exclusively available at InterCommunity Cancer Center (I CCC). Calypso, also known as GPS for the Body,® is a relatively new form of radiotherapy technology enabling precision-guided treatment with continuous prostate motion monitoring. Essentially, the Calypso System tells the clinician the exact tumor location during administration of radiation treatments.
“When dealing with prostate cancer, it is critical to offer patients the most precise treatment possible to minimize side effects which can greatly affect quality of life,” explained Dr. Hal Jacobson, medical director and radiation oncologist at ICCC in Lady Lake, Fla. “Calypso works like a navigation system, providing real-time tumor tracking so we know exactly where the tumor is at all times, enabling us to deliver the maximum radiation dose directly to the target area while minimizing exposure to surrounding tissues and organs.”
Internal organs constantly move during treatment due to breathing and normal bodily functions. Consequently the prostate may shift outside of the defined radiation field, and the tumor may not receive the prescribed dose of radiation, making the treatment less effective. To compensate, the treatment area is often expanded to make sure the tumor receives the proper amount of radiation. Unfortunately, healthy tissues and organs near the prostate may inadvertently be exposed, potentially causing urinary, bowel and sexual side effects.
Calypso GPS for the Body solves this problem by letting the clinician know exactly where the tumor is at all times so adjustments can be made if necessary, making the treatment both safer and more effective. The major components of the Calypso System are the Beacon® Electromagnetic Transponders (each about the size of a grain of rice), the 4D Electromagnetic Array™ and the 4D Tracking Station™. Prior to treatment, three of the tiny transponders are implanted in the prostate, a very minor outpatient procedure. The transponders work in tandem with the other two components to accurately and continuously locate the tumor in the prostate during treatment.
Calypso gives visual and audio cues to help manage prostate motion by signaling when the organ moves outside of the threshold area. The 4D Electromagnetic Array™ sends signals to the implanted transponders. Continuous X, Y and Z coordinates are then relayed from the transponders, allowing immediate identification of misalignments with sub-millimeter accuracy by showing exactly where the target is at all times. If the targeted tumor site moves out of position, adjustments are made to keep the radiation aligned with the tumor, optimizing treatment.
Not only does the Calypso System enable the delivery of accurate radiation therapy, research has shown it also decreases side effects by minimizing exposure to surrounding tissues. Researchers conducted a comparison study of patients treated with Calypso versus those who were not. They found that using Calypso motion tracking technology during high dose external beam therapy in the treatment of prostate cancer resulted in a significant reduction in serious side effects.
“We are proud to be the only cancer center in our area to offer prostate cancer patients access to Calypso GPS for the Body,” said Dr. Jacobson. “This superior real-time motion management tool detects even the slightest movement of the tumor, allowing us to quickly and confidently make adjustments to keep the radiation beam precisely on the target. It allows us to escalate the dose while reducing treatment margins, helping to eliminate side effects which can be quite distressing to prostate patients. With Calypso, we can deliver the most effective treatment possible, providing a better patient experience and an optimal outcome.”
ABOUT INTERCOMMUNITY
CANCER CENTER
InterCommunity Cancer Center (ICCC) has 30 years of experience providing quality, personalized cancer care in the Lady Lake and Leesburg communities and has treated more than 10,000 patients. Radiation Oncologist Drs. Hal Jacobson brings exceptional expertise in treating breast, lung, prostate, gynecologic, skin and other cancers. As part of McKesson Specialty Health, Vantage Oncology and The US Oncology Network, McKesson’s physician-led network of integrated, community-based oncology practices, provide patients and practices a best-in-class platform and a robust suite of customizable offerings and services including comprehensive oncology management services across radiation oncology, surgical specialties and medical oncology while maintaining focus on community-based oncology care and innovative value-based cancer services. ICCC has access to clinical information and best practices from the treatment of more than 1,000 patients per day enabling highly effective and peer-collaborated treatments. This provides ICCC the ability to offer academic-quality treatment in a community based setting and gives local communities exceptional cancer care services close to home. To learn more, visit www.ICCCVantage.com.
For more information about Calypso or other advanced treatments offered by InterCommunity Cancer Center, please visit www.ICCCVantage.com.
