HJBR Jan/Feb 2024

HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF BATON ROUGE I  JAN / FEB 2024 45 For weekly eNews updates and to read the journal online, visit HealthcareJournalBR.com health units, healthcare providers, and community partners provided screenings, vaccinations, and other resources for free. Activities included face painting, giveaways, and a meal, along with health screenings such as blood pressure and glucose, diabetic eye exams, vaccinations for flu and COVID-19, as well as infor- mation on topics such as mental health, mater- nal health, hepatitis, domestic violence, childcare assistance, workforce development, Medicaid, and assistance with WIC/SNAP applications. “At Louisiana Healthcare Connections, we rec- ognize the significant issues facing Central Loui- siana pertaining to access to care, food insecu- rities, and other social determinants of health,” said Tanzel Montgomery, community relations manager with Louisiana Healthcare Connections. “So, we are pleased to bring all of these partners together for a fun, healthy, and helpful day, to fur- ther our mission to transform Louisiana’s health, one person at a time.” Mary Bird Perkins Using Adaptive Radiation Therapy Program Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center has announced that it has launched a $10 million-plus adaptive radiation therapy program that utilizes the novel, innovative Elekta Unity treatment system. The cancer center is the first and only organization in Louisiana with this level of precision medicine technology. The Elekta Unity system represents a revolution- ary fusion of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), linear accelerator (LINAC) technologies, and arti- ficial intelligence that offers unprecedented preci- sion in cancer therapy. Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center’s acquisition of this leading-edge equip- ment underscores its commitment to providing world-class, patient-focused care and solidifies its position at the forefront of cancer treatment inno- vation. The Art Favre family, community donors, and an investment from the cancer center funded the acquisition of the Unity system. Key features of Elekta Unity include: Real-time imaging: The Elekta Unity integrates high-resolution MR imaging, allowing oncologists to visualize tumors and surrounding healthy tis- sue in real time before and during treatment and with more clarity than ever before. This level of imaging precision enhances treatment accuracy and reduces the potential impact on surrounding healthy tissue and organs. Adaptive radiation delivery: The Elekta Unity’s LINAC technology enables each patient’s treat- ment plans to be adjusted in response to changes in the patient’s anatomy or tumor size during the course of treatment. This adaptability allows for greater dose optimization, where the physician is able to deliver higher, more targeted amounts of radiation that improve outcomes and shorten treatment times for patients. For example, due to their proximity to the bladder and rectum, prostate tumors are a moving target, so there is a great advantage to mapping its location at the moment of treatment. Reduced treatment time: The combination of MR imaging and radiation delivery in a single sys- tem streamlines the treatment process, reducing the overall time patients spend in the treatment room. This not only enhances patient comfort but also increases the efficiency of the cancer cen- ter’s operations. Artificial intelligence: The Elekta Unity’s ability to adapt during the course of treatments is aided by the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms, accelerating the processing of high-resolution imaging and assisting the treat- ment team in identifying changes in anatomy or tumor position during the adaptive planning pro- cess. The result is the harmonization of the cancer center’s deep oncology expertise with state-of- the-art information technology that maximizes the capabilities of the Elekta Unity system. Kos Kovtun, MD, radiation oncologist and med- ical director of adaptive radiation therapy, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, commented on the significance of this milestone: “The Elekta Unity MR-LINAC is a game-changer in cancer care. Its ability to provide real-time imaging and adap- tive radiotherapy allows us to tailor treatments with unparalleled precision, ultimately improv- ing outcomes for our patients. We are proud to be the only cancer center in Louisiana offering this advanced technology, and we most certainly could not provide care at this level without our generous donors.” The addition of Elekta Unity reinforces the can- cer center’s expert team of physicians and staff and their commitment to advancing cancer care, promoting research, and ensuring that patients have access to the most advanced treatments available. “My family and I are excited to be a part of this momentous achievement, which marks a new era in the fight against cancer,” said Favre, a past board chair, Mary Bird Perkins. “Having this tech- nology will mean more people can stay closer to home and receive the same level of care as some of the largest cancer centers in the country. This is a major win for Louisiana, and as a close friend of Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center has announced that it has launched a $10 million-plus adaptive radiation therapy program that utilizes the novel, innovative Elekta Unity treatment system.