The Christ Hospital Health Network is first in the region to implement a new software system designed to more effectively target tumors and protect healthy tissue during cancer radiation treatment. The RapidPlan software tool from Varian Medical Systems is a machine-learning tool that studies best practices from past successful treatment plans from similar cancer patients in other large medical centers around the country to generate highly targeted treatment plans for patients at The Christ Hospital.
About half of all cancer patients receive some type of radiation therapy, which uses high-energy particles or waves, such as x-rays, gamma rays, electron beams, or protons, to destroy or damage cancer cells. Unlike chemotherapy, which usually exposes the whole body to cancer-fighting drugs, radiation therapy is usually a local treatment. In most cases, it’s aimed at and affects only the part of the body being treated. Before treatment, a radiation plan is developed for each patient by a team of radiation oncology experts including a physicist and dosimetrist to ensure the treatment targets cancer cells, with as little harm as possible to nearby healthy cells.
“Developing the radiation treatment strategy is one of the most critical steps in our process,” said Robert Summe, MD, Radiation Oncologist at The Christ Hospital. “Every cancer and patient is different, so determining the most effective radiation dosage and delivery is very complex. The RapidPlan system leverages existing clinical expertise for each situation to provide consistent, quality plans developed to more effectively kill the cancer while protecting nearby organs and tissue.”
Implementing the innovative RapidPlan software supports The Christ Hospital’s commitment to beating cancer through precision medicine—care tailored to each individual. The program offers physicians specialized in treating specific types of cancer and advanced targeted treatment without surgery. Genetic testing is also now available to determine the most effective treatment based on an individual’s DNA, all of which reduces treatment time and improves outcomes for patients. For more information on cancer treatment at The Christ Hospital Health Network, visit TheChristHospital.com/BeatCancer or call 513-585-EDGE (513-585-3343). Appointments are conveniently available throughout the Tristate.
About The Christ Hospital Health Network: The Christ Hospital Health Network is an acute care hospital located in Mt. Auburn with six ambulatory centers and dozens of offices conveniently located throughout the region. The Network is supported by more than 1200 talented physicians and 5800 dedicated employees. Its mission is to improve the health of the community and to create patient value by providing exceptional outcomes, the finest experiences all in an affordable way. It has been recognized by Forbes Magazine as the 24th best large employer in the nation in their America’s 500 Best Large Employers listing and by National Consumer Research as the region’s Most Preferred Hospital for 21 consecutive years. The Network is dedicated to transforming care by delivering integrated, personalized healthcare through its comprehensive, multi-specialty physician network. The Christ Hospital is among only six percent of hospitals in the nation to be awarded Magnet recognition for nursing excellence and among the top five percent of hospitals in the country for patient satisfaction. For more than 125 years, The Christ Hospital has provided compassionate care to those it serves.