Avera Adds Precision Radiation Treatment Machine To Pierre

PIERRE, (KCCR) — Avera’s Cancer Institute in Pierre has added new technology to bring enhancement to treatment precision, safety and patient comfort. The health system has added an advanced surface-guided radiation therapy system. It’s the first establishment of such technology outside of Sioux Falls. The equipment uses advanced 3-D camera tech to track the position of a patient in real time, helping make sure radiation treatments are delivered as planned. Should a patient move beyond an acceptable range, the system pauses the delivery of treatment, which reduces the risk of radiation exposure to healthy tissue and organs. The system will be of particular benefit to patients getting left-sided breast cancer treatments and patients needing therapies that require careful motion management. Pierre oncologist Dr. Andrew Figura says the system will add a layer of confidence that treatments are being delivered appropriately. Regional President and C-E-O Shantel Krebs says the system will allow patients to get treatment close to home instead of traveling outside Pierre.