HAGÅTÑA (The Guam Daily Post) — Cancer treatment on the island has advanced with the investment by Island Cancer Center in a “state-of-the-art radiotherapy treatment system,” that will bring some comfort to cancer patients, the center announced recently in a press release.
The system is a radiotherapy device called the Varian Fourth Generation Halcyon.
“Designed to achieve high-quality care with more patient comfort and clinician confidence, this innovative treatment platform is the first of its kind in Asia,” ICC said in the release.
Dr. King Sing Au, head of radiation oncology at Island Cancer Center, said, “This investment will bring better outcomes to our cancer patients. I am so happy that many of our patients will now be able to get the best care here on island, with their families by their side. They may no longer need to travel abroad for the best cancer care. This will bring about a difference in support they will receive, and overall comfort through their cancer treatment journey. This is a very exciting time for us.”
The Halcyon system, according to the manufacturer Varian, has “capabilities in delivering high-quality radiotherapy, allows clinics to treat patients with conventional and advanced radiation therapy delivery techniques – all optimized to produce the prescribed dose precisely and accurately. Every treatment is image-guided to provide clinicians with the confidence to evaluate all aspects of the treatment while the patient is on the couch.”
Au and his clinical team, Collin O’Connell, practice manager, and Beryl Ninete and Gina Relativo, patient care advocates, have over 40 years of experience to help deliver the best care to cancer patients on island, ICC said in the release.
“At Island Cancer Center, we understand that speed matters. Our commitment is crystal clear in our ability to provide lightning-fast services. In some cases, we see patients the very same day.” O’Connell said.
Image-guided treatments are delivered with ease and quickly, according to the Varian website, which says the Halcyon system offers speed without compromise. CBCT imaging can be completed in approximately 15 seconds, Varian said.
The Halcyon system, which resembles an MRI machine, “allows clinics to treat patients with conventional and advanced radiation therapy delivery techniques – all optimized to produce the prescribed dose precisely and accurately,” according to the Varian website.
Inquiries about potential candidacy for treatment or for more information may be made at Island Cancer Center at 671-646-3363.
Staff from Island Cancer Center participate in a wave at the ITC intersection on Jan. 20, 2023, in Tamuning.
