integrated 3D imaging system that will enable clinician to obtain cone beam CT images of patients just before

treatment. This capability allows physicians to visualize tumors at the point of treatment to more precisely

target tumors with radiation beams.

Approximately $3.5 million were spent on the total project. The Elekta Synergy® accelerator was purchased; a

new building to house the accelerator was constructed and the project included a new electronic medical and

treatment planning systems installation. The current cancer center was also renovated to include new flooring,

wall covering and furniture for the waiting room and 2 new dressing rooms.

"We are excited to be able to expand our Cancer Center and purchase this piece of equipment for the treatment

of our cancer patients. It is always been our mission to provide state-of-the-art equipment combined with

quality healthcare for this community and its residents. I feel this new linear accelerator is the next generation

in cancer treatment and it will now be available at the CMC Regional Cancer Center," said Ed Anderson,

Chairman of Board, CMC.

A new approach to radiation therapy
To determine the precise location of tumors and normal surrounding tissues, traditional radiotherapy calls for
imaging studies to be done several days before treatment. Elekta Synergy® enables Cumberland Medical
Center radiation oncologists to obtain images just before treatment with the patient in the exact position he or
she will be treated in. This means not only less chance for errors in tumor targeting and patient positioning, but
also the ability to increase the dose to the tumor by virtue of more certainty in the tumor’s location. The goal is
to improve the patient’s quality of life and the chance for long term survival.