For more than 40 years, the Radiation Oncology program at the Flint Animal Cancer Center has been at the forefront of radiation therapy and research. In that time, we’ve become a world leader in veterinary cancer care by offering groundbreaking clinical care, conducting critical research to advance the field, and training the next generation of clinicians. Our Varian Trilogy linear accelerator has been our workhorse since its installation as the most advanced machine in Northern Colorado in 2007.
taken in the early days of radiation at CSU.
The next step in this evolution is an expansion of our radiation oncology program from one machine to two. This will give us the space, bandwidth, and technology to treat more patients with a more individualized approach, depending on their diagnosis and cancer presentation. Two machines will also allow us to research new radiation-based treatment options with the hope of improving outcomes for people and pets without interrupting patient treatment. Once complete, this expansion will double our abilities. It also puts us in a unique position to train radiation oncology residents on two different machines.
Construction has begun on a second radiation-secure vault, located to the west of our current radiation space. In this vault, we will install a new machine known as a Halcyon by Varian, the market leader in this field of advanced equipment. As soon as the Halcyon is up and running, we will decommission our existing Trilogy and replace it with a second state-of-the-art machine, known as an Edge, also by Varian. Adding a second machine also helps us avoid any downtime.
The Halcyon is a simpler machine, used in private practices around the U.S.; this will give our trainees a chance to learn how to use the type of machine they are likely to encounter in their careers. The Halcyon encompasses the latest radiation technologies and will allow for cutting-edge care.
“This expansion and acquisition of two state-of-the-art machines will allow us to expand the number and type of patients that we can help. Patient quality of life and outcome are the most important things to our team, and these machines will allow us to do even more for our patients,” said Dr. Tiffany Martin, a radiation oncologist and the radiation oncology section head.
RADIATION RESEARCH
This expansion will also allow for increased research studies. “We’re very excited to integrate this new technology into our clinical trials for veterinary cancer patients. We’re very grateful for the opportunity to continue to contribute to advancing the field of veterinary and comparative radiation oncology with the expanded radiation systems and facilities,” added Dr. Keara Boss, PI of the Comparative Radiation Oncology Laboratory at the FACC.
For years, the FACC has led the charge against cancer. This expansion is no exception. Once the two new machines are installed, we will be one of very few veterinary teaching hospitals to run two radiation machines, concurrently.
“Our two new radiation treatment machines nicely complement one another, providing a greater range of optimized treatment with advanced imaging and precision dose deposition,” said Dr. Del Leary, medical physicist at the FACC. “Our updated radiation oncology tools will provide the most advanced technology options in the veterinary world for research and training for today and our future.”
FUNDING THE FUTURE
Thanks to our incredible friends who believe in our radiation oncology program, this expansion is possible. With their support, we have raised $4.1 million of the $6 million dollar cost of the project. “Every time we dream big, our friends come alongside us and make those dreams a reality,” said Dr. Christine Hardy, associate director, of development, operations, and strategy at the FACC.
“We are so grateful to those who have made it possible to undertake this needed step to push for new possibilities in radiation treatment for all species. With their support, the future of radiation oncology is possible and, for that, we could never say thank you enough,” said Dr. Hardy.
The expansion project is underway; the second vault and Halcyon installation is expected to be completed in Fall 2024 with the installation of the Edge to follow soon thereafter.
“This is a unique opportunity to continue our exploration into radiation therapy. We will have two wonderful, but very different radiation therapy units, allowing us to improve treatment outcomes and continue to develop therapies for previously untreatable tumor locations. I believe that Edward L. Gillette, who began our legacy of research in the 1950s, could not be more pleased. Thank you, all, for helping make this possible. It is a dream come true for all of us,” said Dr. Susan LaRue, radiation oncologist.
Learn more about the project on our website, and help us cross the finish line – donate today!