Mercy Medical Center Adopts TrueBeam for Rapid Prostate Cancer Therapy

The TrueBeam system integrates real-time image guidance with high-dose radiation delivery, addressing the inherent difficulty of targeting the prostate, which can shift position relative to the bladder and rectum during therapy. By employing fiducial marker tracking—small gold markers implanted in the prostate—the clinical team can pinpoint the tumor's exact location with sub-millimeter accuracy. This prevents unnecessary exposure to surrounding healthy tissue, a critical factor in minimizing side effects.

Dr. Kelly Orwat, Director of Radiation Oncology at Mercy, notes that the platform’s ability to monitor intrafraction motion ensures that radiation is delivered precisely where intended, rather than relying on planning data that may become obsolete as the patient moves. The system supports various techniques, including volumetric-modulated arc therapy, which rotates the accelerator around the patient to shape the radiation beam from multiple angles.

This expansion is integrated into Mercy’s multidisciplinary approach, where radiation oncologists coordinate directly with urologists, such as Dr. Damon Davis, to evaluate individual patient anatomy and cancer characteristics. While the five-session SBRT protocol offers convenience, the clinical team emphasizes that patient selection remains the primary priority to ensure the treatment approach matches the specific medical requirements of each individual.