IU Health Arnett using new cancer-fighting machine

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Indiana University Health Arnett is offering a new cancer treatment option for patients. This new treatment uses the latest technology from Varian Medical Systems – the Trilogy Linear Accelerator with RapidArc Technology.

Doctors said the accelerator shortens treatment time and delivers a more precise dosage of radiation. Treatment is said to be two to eight times faster than other conventional radiotherapy devices.

"With this new technology, we are able to shape the radiation beam with much better precision to target cancerous tissue and avoid damage to surrounding normal tissue or organs," said Radiation Oncologist Arthur Ko.  

Dr. Ko said the treatment is also two to eight times faster than other conventional radiation options, making it more comfortable and convenient for patients.

"If patient is here (points)... it makes one circle, one revolution. It takes two minutes to go around, you know, 360 degrees in one revolution and while it's turning, it can actually give all the radiation a patient need(s)," said Dr. Ko.

IU Health Arnett has been using this new treatment since September. According to a news release from IU Health Arnett, RapidArc can be used to treat different types of cancer, including prostate, skin, breast, brain, head and neck, throat, larynx, thyroid, bone, ovarian, lung, pancreas, esophagus, anorectal and uterine.

The device is located at IU Health Arnett Cancer Services at 420 N. 26th St. in Lafayette. You can learn more about cancer treatment options on IU Health Arnett's website . You can also learn more about Dr. Arthur Ko on the IU Health Arnett website .