The Most Advanced Technology Available
The Avera Cancer Institute houses the most advanced cancer treatment technology available today, and is constructed to accommodate technology of the future as medical science continues to evolve. Here are just a few examples:
ARTISTE™
Region’s only ARTISTE™ linear accelerator. Manufactured by Siemens, the ARTISTE™ represents highly advanced technology in radiation oncology. A key benefit of this machine is its versatility, allowing clinicians to implement the most basic to the most elegant treatment plans, depending on patient need. Its advanced treatment delivery tools enable clinicians to choose the appropriate treatment for each individual patient, make critical adjustments instantly, and deliver Adaptive Radiation Therapy (ART) according to each patient’s needs. The two ARTISTE™ linear accelerators in the ACI are among only a few machines of this type in use in the United States today, and the only site in the United States that has matched machines.
IORT
Region’s only IORT research. Intra-operative Radiation Therapy (IORT) is offered in the Avera Cancer Institute. IntraOp’s Mobetron is a mobile linear accelerator that delivers a dose of radiation to the actual tumor site during cancer surgery. It is the first of its kind in South Dakota and the wider region, and can only be found at 12 other locations in the United States. The primary application will be treatment of breast cancer on a research trial basis, with other applications being the treatment of advanced pelvic and abdominal tumors, sarcoma and colorectal cancers. Watch a video to learn more about IORT
Dedicated Brachytherapy Suite
Region’s only dedicated Brachytherapy Suite. Brachytherapy is a very tailored, localized radiation treatment that involves placement of an applicator at the tumor site, and delivery of a radioactive seed that emits radiation from the internal location. The new ACI features a brachytherapy suite in which imaging, applicator placement, planning and treatment are all carried out in one place. This translates into more patient comfort, less movement of the treatment applicator and more accurate treatment.
Dedicated Imaging Center
A dedicated imaging center, providing the latest cancer diagnostic tools, such as CT scanning and radiographic imaging.
Aethon TUG
Aethon TUG computer-controlled robots. These robots deliver medications that require special handling, such as chemotherapy drugs. Traveling at a rate of 2.1 feet per second, robots are completely safe to pedestrians and children. Robots are secure and medications they carry can only be accessed by authorized staff. Visitors may hear robots say phrases such as “approaching elevator,” “please stand aside,” or “thank you, departing now.” Using robots helps to ensure that medicines remain in a stable environment during transport.
