Linear Accelerator

Advanced Beam Technology

For more than 40 years the evolution of radiation delivery technologies has been based upon a single objective: maximize the dose to the tumor while minimizing the dose to surrounding normal tissue.

Today the most advanced beam technology available is DART and the Dattoli Cancer Center was the first facility in America to offer it to patients.

More patients with prostate cancer have been treated with DART at Dattoli Cancer Center than any other center in the world by fourfold. Moreover, DCC boasts having the most sophisticated technologies to achieve DART, providing every patient with a cutting edge experience.

DART has the ability to cast thousands of precisely targeted radiation “beamlets” or “microbeams,”on a 360-degree radius, not only into the prostate, plus a carefully delineated margin, but also in escalating doses directly into the tumor(-s) while de-escalating doses to the urethra. A unique treatment blueprint is mapped out in advance for each patient. With computer planning and three-dimensional imaging techniques, it is possible to more accurately deliver radiation to satisfy pre-defined dose specifications to the tumor while avoiding nearby healthy tissue. Thus, the risk of damaging the bowel, bladder, rectum and other organs is significantly reduced. At the same time, the cancer-killing dose of radiation is maximized on the designated target.

Meanwhile, strict immobilization is required using an individualized “alpha cradle”. A SonArray 4D Ultrasound Guided System is utilized moments before each treatment to ensure that the organs are exactly positioned for the DART “beamlets.” Even the simple motion of breathing can shift the position of the prostate, which is tracked and corrected by a special respiratory gating device. These and other tools allow us to take the 4th dimension of motion into account, ensuring that the right dose is delivered at exactly the right time. Daily localization of the target is essential to optimize therapeutic effects since both patient and organ movement may occur (for example, during treatment, air may enter the rectum pushing the prostate forward or fluid may enter the bladder pushing the prostate down). It should be noted that all the techniques that we use are non-invasive. These routines are implemented with comprehensive checklists that are crucial to ensure accurate targeting on a daily basis.

The actual delivery of the radiation is a dynamic process and is accomplished through the use of numerous 4D devices which allow us to “sculpt” the micro-beamlets in order to deliver the precise dose required.

The Dattoli Cancer Center is the first freestanding clinic in the world to combine DART with brachytherapy to create a revolutionary new treatment protocol.

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WHAT OUR PATIENTS SAY ABOUT US

"With a rising PSA and Gleason 6, I chose to put my care in the hands of the Dattoli team, undergoing IMRT and brachytherapy. Two years down the road and 74 seeds later I'm back in the pilot’s seat and flying the newest birds in the fleet – the Boeing 777s. It is important – it’s imperative - to look at every option and get yourself to the very best treatment center you can find.”

“My aggressive treatment at the Dattoli Center has given me a new appreciation for life. I suffer no ill effects from the combination treatment, but I admit that I am a “changed man.” I'm a vocal advocate for prostate cancer education and screening, especially in the African-American community. Now, I rarely miss an opportunity to race a sailboat. It is a feeling of “euphoria,” one that I savor as often as possible.”

In the winter of 2019, 64-year-old Kim F. was treated for breast cancer at the Dattoli Cancer Center. “I received a real education about my tumor and how radiation works. I admit that I felt a little out of place being surrounded by so many men being treated, but I can’t imagine getting better care than this.” Kim learned that the Dattoli Cancer Center is the only center in the country offering a radiation guidance system that can aim pinpoint radiation to the tumor while sparing the nearby heart and lungs. This is especially important when treating cancer in the left breast in such close proximity to the heart.

“Half-way around the world is not too far to travel to get the best care. Five years later, I'm like new – no evidence of prostate cancer at all. With my children on their own and more time on my hands, I've completed a 750-mile pilgrimage in 2004 and am back climbing mountains. The view from the top is awesome!"

"My seeds were implanted in early 2000. Today I am happy, healthy and a grateful man. My PSA is barely detectable at 0.094, and I embrace life full-steam ahead with Bernice by my side."