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OHSU to Study New Radiation Technology for Head, Neck Cancer

ASCO Young Investigator Awardee at OHSU Knight Cancer Institute will lead research team

The Oregon Health & Science University Knight Cancer Institute will evaluate whether the state-of-the-art image-guidance system called Calypso® (Calypso® Medical, Seattle, Wash.) is as effective in delivering highly precise radiation therapy to head and neck cancer patients as it has been in those with prostate cancer.

“We have been extremely happy with the system’s performance for prostate cancer, and it is our hope to apply this system to multiple new body sites in the future. This study represents a real first step in that direction,” said Patrick Gagnon, M.D., principal investigator and co-chief resident in the Department of Radiation Medicine, OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, OHSU School of Medicine.

The Calypso® system relies on three electromagnetic transponders, or beacons, about the size of a grain of rice that are implanted in the prostate prior to beginning treatments. These transponders utilize electromagnetic fields that can be detected with sub-millimeter precision for accurate daily targeting of the prostate gland. Continuous monitoring of the patient and prostate motion is also possible, which allows for greater accuracy in delivering radiation therapy and limits exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.

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