McGlinn Cancer Institute debuts first MRI-Guided Linear Accelerator in state
Reading Hospital held a ribbon cutting for the new radiation technology
The state’s first MRIdian MRI-Guided Linear Accelerator made its debut at the McGlinn Family Regional Cancer Institute at Reading Hospital during a ribbon- cutting and open house on Thursday.
Following the ribboncutting and remarks, guests toured the institute’s radiation oncology suite and the machine’s control room.
Tower Health announced plans to install the machine in July with the installation beginning in August and patients receiving treatment using the machine in December.
The accelerator combines two pieces of equipment into one, allowing physicians to conduct a patient’s radiation treatment while looking at a real-time image of a tumor. The technology allows physicians to create a more precise radiation field that can move and change in size with the tumor.
“This technology is unlike any other radiation option available today, including proton therapy,” Dr. Michael L. Haas, chief, section of radiation oncology at Reading Hospital, said in a press release. “It
allows us to see the tumor while we treat it and deliver a less invasive, and often more precise and accurate radiation treatment.”
If the tumor or organ moves beyond the area set by the physician, the radiation
beam automatically pauses and resumes once the target moves back into the predefined area, according to Haas. This minimizes exposure of healthy tissue when a tumor is in a hard-to-reach area in the body or near critical organs and improves the chances of a successful radiation treatment.
“We are pleased to be the first in Pennsylvania to offer this groundbreaking cancer treatment,” Tower Health President and CEO Clint Matthews said in the press release. “The acquisition of this life-saving
technology would not be possible without the generous donation of the McGlinn family. On behalf of our physicians, care team, and everyone at Reading Hospital, I would like to thank them for their ongoing support of the patients at McGlinn Cancer Institute.”