Receiving radiation therapy is part of the treatment regimen for many cancers. SCCA radiation oncologists often use a device to assist them with prostate cancer radiation treatment called the Calypso system. 
Calypso accurately aligns the prostate before each treatment and precisely monitors the position of the prostate during the treatment to avoid sending radiation to other parts of the body. The accuracy of the treatment is enhanced while other areas of the body are protected.
This week, KOMO TV produced a story about this system that is now being used to help radiation oncologists treat breast cancer. The FDA recently cleared Calypso for use in breast cancer. Receiving radiation to the breast poses a threat to nearby organs, like the heart. This system helps protect the heart and keeps the radiation treatment focused on the treatment area.
With this system, doctors ”can actually track the patient’s positioning during treatment in real time,” says Dr. Janice Kim, SCCA radiation oncologist quoted in the article. “That helps to ensure, with confidence, that not only are we hitting the target everyday, but we’re also staying away from the heart.”
Learn more about the Calypso system on our website.
