OREANDA-NEWS. January 23, 2013. Cancer Centers of North Carolina (CCNC), a 19-physician practice dedicated to community-based cancer care since 1979, is now offering a new brachytherapy radiation treatment option for gynecologic and rectal cancer patients designed to increase patient comfort while providing more targeted therapy to the cancerous areas. With the support of The US Oncology Network, CCNC is the first oncology practice in Wake County to use this innovative device that has significant advantages for patients over prior brachytherapy treatment options, reported the press-centre of McKesson.

The Capri™ Brachytherapy Applicator from Varian Medical Systems is intended for post-operative endometrial cancers as well as the treatment of vaginal, vulvar and rectal cancers. Brachytherapy treats cancer from inside the body by temporarily placing radioactive sources directly into or adjacent to tumors. This allows for the delivery of a high dose of radiation to be localized to the tumor with minimal exposure of the healthy surrounding tissue.

The new Capri device is a lightweight, soft, expandable balloon applicator that is inflated upon insertion to adapt to each individual’s unique anatomy and to secure it in place during treatment. The Capri device is a major breakthrough in patient comfort, as prior to its development, the principle brachytherapy option for these cancers involved inserting a rigid segmented cylinder that could be painful to the patient and would not conform to the patient’s anatomy.

The Capri has thirteen treatment catheters that provide pathways to deliver the prescribed radiation dose to very specific targeted areas. These multiple channels allow the radiation oncologist to differentially load each catheter to minimize exposure of the bladder and rectum, while optimizing delivery of the radiation dose to the tumor site. The Capri applicator is compatible with CT imaging, allowing clinicians to utilize 3-D imaging to map out treatment plans to determine exactly where each radiation dose should be deposited.

Research on rigid cylinders documented that a significant number of air pockets were created when the device was inserted, and most of the bubbles were found in the target treatment area, increasing the risk for reoccurrence. In that same research, fewer air pockets were noted when the treatment was given with an inflatable device like the Capri.

“The Capri applicator represents an exciting, new and patient-friendly treatment option for gynecologic and rectal cancer patients,” said John Reilly, M.D., radiation oncologist at Cancer Centers of North Carolina. “We are continually striving to offer our patients treatments that help preserve their quality of life while treating their cancer, and the Capri applicator is a big step in the right direction. It allows us to better control dose distribution, thus minimizing exposure to healthy tissue, potentially decreasing side effects. It is also designed with patient comfort in mind, which helps to improve treatment delivery while decreasing patient anxiety.”

While the Capri applicator is a new development in the treatment of gynecologic and rectal cancers, the concept has been used for several years for the treatment of breast cancer where a similar multi-channel high-dose rate radiation catheter is inserted into the lumpectomy site. The Capri has received FDA clearance for use in both gynecologic and rectal cancers. It is currently being used across the United States by many large hospitals and community-based cancer centers, but this is the first time the therapy has been made available in Wake County.

About Cancer Centers of North Carolina
Established in 1979, Cancer Centers of North Carolina (CCNC) is the first practice to offer community-based outpatient cancer care in the Triangle with locations in Raleigh, North Raleigh, Cary, Dunn, and Clayton. The 19 specialized oncology physicians are experienced professionals offering state of the art compassionate cancer care, meeting the needs of cancer patients and their families throughout the spectrum of illness, recovery and survivorship. They offer medical  oncology; radiation oncology; gynecologic oncology and surgery; head and neck oncologic surgery; access to new, biologic and targeted treatments; advanced radiation therapy techniques including IMRT (intensity-modulated radiation therapy) and HDR (high-dose rate radiotherapy); and access to the newest cancer medications through participation in nationally associated clinical trials. For more information, visit www.cancercentersofnc.com.

Cancer Centers of North Carolina is united in healing with The US Oncology Network, one of the nation’s largest community-based cancer treatment and research networks focused on advancing cancer care in America. As an affiliate of The US Oncology Network, Cancer Centers of North Carolina is united with approximately 1,000 physicians and 10,000 cancer professionals nationwide. Cancer Centers of North Carolina participates in clinical trials through US Oncology Research, which has helped to develop 43 FDA approved cancer therapies. For more information, visit www.usoncology.com.