March 30, 2009
Krista Hopson, khopson1@hfhs.org
David Olejarz, dolejar1@hfhs.org
Maria Seyrig, mseyrig1@hfhs.org
(313) 876-2882


Henry Ford Hospital Offers New Device That Tracks Radiation

DETROIT - A new sensor device allowing doctors to receive data on the precise amount of radiation being delivered to tumors and surrounding tissue is now being offered at Henry Ford Hospital. Henry Ford is the first in Michigan providing the technology called DVS® (Dose Verification System). 

The device is as small as the length of a dime and can be inserted inside the patient in less than 15 minutes. After each radiation treatment, the DVS provides the physician with a measurement of the actual amount of radiation hitting the target, the malignant tumor. This allows the physician to make any necessary adjustments to the prescribed dose during the radiation therapy treatment course, making it more precise. The DVS sensor wirelessly transmits data to the physician immediately following each radiation treatment.

Increasing cancer cure rates and decreasing complications associated with radiation therapy are the goals physicians strive for when treating their patients. DVS is the first wireless, implantable radiation sensor available in the U.S. to assist physicians in obtaining these goals. The sensor provides data on the precise amount of radiation being delivered to the tumor and surrounding normal tissue.

"Patients with cancer are well educated and often spend considerable amounts of time researching new treatment options to help them in their battle with cancer. They also place tremendous value on being treated with the most updated technologies.  We are excited to be the first facility in Michigan to offer this technology to patients with prostate or breast cancer," says Benjamin Movsas, M.D., chairman of Radiation Oncology at Henry Ford Hospital. 
"Traditional radiation therapies rely on knowing the exact location of the tumor, but provide no guidance on quantifying the actual dose being delivered to the tumor.  DVS® provides an unprecedented level of precision to physicians and added reassurance to breast and prostate cancer patients," he adds.

Developed by Sicel Technologies, Inc., the DVS® sensors are implanted during a minimally invasive procedure and gather data on the amount of radiation being delivered to the tumor and normal tissue. Wireless technology transmits the radiation dose information to a hand-held monitor during each of the daily treatments, enabling doctors to verify that the patient is receiving the prescribed dose. If a dose deviation is detected, the treatment plan can be modified and corrected for each individual patient. Accurate delivery of the appropriate dose of radiation is critical for tumor control and cure.

"Henry Ford Hospital is committed to bringing patients innovative new technologies that can have a positive effect on their end results. We provide many options to our patients and are now screening prostate and breast cancer patients to receive this breakthrough technology," says Indrin Chetty, Ph.D., director of Radiation Physics at Henry Ford Hospital. 

For further information on cancer services provided by Josephine Ford Cancer Center at Henry Ford Hospital call 1-888-734-JFCC (5322) or visit http://www.henryford.com/.