Ribbon Cutting for New Technology to Treat Cancer Patients at Bronson Battle Creek

On Wednesday, January 29, the Bronson Battle Creek Cancer Care Center unveiled a new piece of sophisticated medical technology which significantly enhances radiation treatment for cancer patients in southwest Michigan.  

The new Varian TrueBeam linear accelerator reduces radiation treatment times, improves tumor targeting, advances motion compensation, and allows for the expansion of treatment technology in the future. This addition builds upon a 50-year history of continuous advancement in radiation technology and treatment in the Battle Creek community.

“This new linear accelerator marks a significant investment in cancer care for our region,” says Dr. Randy Mudge, radiation oncologist at Bronson Battle Creek and physician in chief for oncology services for the Bronson Healthcare system. "It reflects our commitment to deliver a higher level of care at Bronson Battle Creek, and helps reassure those with a cancer diagnosis that they can receive comprehensive cancer treatment right in their own community. As a nationally accredited cancer care center, our staff is well-trained and well-equipped to treat cancer using medical, surgical and radiation therapies.”

The equipment is part of an overall $3.5 million radiation oncology initiative that includes additional  technology as well as building renovations at the Cancer Care Center. The accelerator was purchased through the generous support of donors to the Bronson Health Foundation. In particular, Bronson Battle Creek Hospital Community Partners Board and the Bronson Battle Creek Volunteers made significant investments toward the purchase of this new technology.

“Together, we can celebrate milestones like this one when the communities we serve stand with us,” says Terry Morrow, vice president of development, Bronson Healthcare. “The generosity and kindness of the Battle Creek community is very much appreciated and will impact the lives of so many patients who receive radiation treatment at the Cancer Care Center.

Specific features of the new TrueBeam linear accelerator include:

• Some radiation treatment times will be cut in half, improving patient comfort and accuracy.
• Enhanced 3-D imaging allows for tumor targeting in 60% less time and 25% less of a radiation dose than previous imaging technology.
• The equipment monitors a patient’s breathing to compensate for movement of tumors during treatment by activating the beam only when the tumor is in optimal position.

The Bronson Battle Creek Cancer Care Center’s radiation oncology program treats more than 350 new patients annually. The new linear accelerator is expected to be used nearly 6,000 times each year. Bronson plans to invest in complementary technology later this year that will further improve patient outcomes.

To learn more about cancer care at Bronson, visit bronsonhealth.com/cancer. For more information  about making a gift to support new technology, programs and services at Bronson Battle Creek or throughout the Bronson system, visit bronsonfoundation.com.