Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center

Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center has installed an image-guided linear accelerator at its location on the campus of Our Lady of Lake Regional Medical Center.

The Elekta Infinity uses computerized medical imaging to more precisely guide the radiation treatment of tumors, which makes it particularly useful in treating cancers in the head, neck and prostate, among other areas.

The device also makes use of Volumetric Intensity Modulated Arc Therapy, which shortens treatment time. According to Elekta, the shorter treatment times will mean increased patient comfort and improved accuracy.

This is the second linear accelerator Mary Bird has purchased from Elekta. The first was installed earlier this year at Mary Bird’s location in Gonzales, which is a partnership with St. Elizabeth Hospital. The Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy was not available at the time but is being added to the Gonzales location’s services.

Mary Bird is investing $20 million in the Elekta systems.