July 19, 2011 – Radiation oncology experts at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center-Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC-James) are providing advanced radiation technology that provides faster, more precise treatment of breast tumors at the recently opened JamesCare Comprehensive Breast Center at 1145 Olentangy River Road.
Now open, the new radiation oncology wing offers added convenience for patients by offering on-site access to radiation treatments in the same location where they can also receive digital mammography, diagnostic imaging and other breast health services.
For the first time since opening in 1990, James Cancer Hospital patients can access radiation oncology services in a satellite location.
“With the opening of this new radiation oncology wing, we are expanding our capacity to treat breast cancer patients, combining top breast radiation oncology experts and the latest technology in a center exclusively conceived and designed to offer the full continuum of breast services,” said William Farrar, M.D., director of the JamesCare Comprehensive Breast Center.
“From prevention and screening through diagnosis, treatment, radiation, reconstruction and survivorship, we offer under one roof the most comprehensive scope of breast services available anywhere in the Midwest,” said Farrar.
The 114,400 square foot breast center is home to the Varian TrueBeam linear accelerator, which is recognized for its fast, precise and accurate radiation technology. This is the only location in Ohio – and one of only 65 institutions worldwide – using the innovative system that enables specially trained radiation oncologists from The James to perform image-guided radiotherapy and radiosurgery treatments on breast cancer patients. Compared to older radiation technologies, this system, with the advanced motion management technology, significantly reduces the amount of healthy tissue – including the heart and lungs – affected by radiation treatments.
“This is a real game-changer that will enable us to treat all breast cancer patients – even the most challenging cases – with unprecedented speed and precision,” said Arnab Chakravarti, M.D., chair and professor of the department of radiation oncology at OSUCCC – James. “The new capabilities allow us to offer faster, more targeted treatments to tumors even as they move and change over time.”
Once the patient is in position, treatments that once took 15 minutes or more can be completed in less than two minutes. “These are significant reductions in treatment time,” said Chakravarti. “Patients will spend less time lying still, immobilized on a hard surface.”
“We are selecting the optimal treatment for each breast cancer patient,” said Chakravarti. “This is a breakthrough that lets us bring a wider spectrum of advanced radiotherapy treatment options to many more patients. It represents a quantum leap in our ability to help people fight breast cancer.”
In addition to radiation oncology services, JamesCare Comprehensive Breast Center offers on-site access to nuclear imaging, clinical trials, chemotherapy, laboratory services, nutrition services, financial services, chemotherapeutic agents and reconstructive surgery, along with social and psychological counseling. Hope’s Boutique – the only shop of its kind in central Ohio – specializes in providing one-on-one dedicated care in a private setting, helping women select wigs along with a wide variety of garments, accessories and head coverings, including scarves, hats and skull caps.
“Our radiation oncology team at the breast center specializes in the treatment of breast cancer, and works closely with all breast cancer disciplines, including medical oncology, surgical oncology and reconstructive surgery to create treatment plans that are tailored to individual patients and their specific type of breast cancer,” said Farrar.
The JamesCare Comprehensive Breast Center, which opened earlier this year, is the first of its kind in the Midwest.
For more information: www.cancer.osu.edu
July 31, 2024 
