Innovative Treatment for Optimal Outcomes

Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)- we are proud to offer “dynamic” IMRT, which uses up to 120 movable “leaves” to comform the radiation beam to the shape of the tumor, while minimizing exposure of normal tissue.

3-D conformal therapy- FRCC is one of the first radiation oncology practices in the United States to offer this advanced therapy, which involves the use of computed tomography (CT) to image and reconstruct the tumor and surrounding tissue in three dimensions. These images are used to develop treatment plans to deliver precisely focused radiation to the tumor while sparing normal adjacent tissue.

HDR & LDR brachytherapy- With this innovative form of radiotherapy, radioactive “seeds” are placed directly into (or close to) the tumor. Once in place, the seeds emit radiation continuously to the targeted site while reducing the radiation exposure to the surrounding healthy tissue. We offer both
high-dose-rate (HDR) and low-dose-rate (LDR) versions for different types of situations. With HDR brachytherapy, the implanted seeds give off a higher dose of radiation for up to a few minutes and are then withdrawn by remote control. FRCC was one of the first to offer HDR prostate brachytherapy in the entire state of Florida and one of the first in the area of offer Mammosite HDR brachytherapy for the treatment of breast cancer.   

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS)- We were the first in and around Ocala and Beverly Hills to offer SRS as well as Stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT), both of which are highly effective alternatives to the surgical removal of small malignant and benign brain tumors. SRS involves a single radiation treatment whereas SRT offers a series of fractionated radiation treatments. With both approaches, a minimally invasive localization system is used to pinpoint the tumor. The desired dose of radiation is then delivered directly into the targeted area with very little radiation reaching the surrounding tissue.

3-D treatment planning- For external-beam radiotherapies, we create “inverse” treatment plans utilizing a three-dimensional treatment planning system. We combine sophisticated computer technology and imaging modalities, such as CT, MRI and PET, to identify tumor tissue and normal structures. Advances software then inversely maps ideal treatment delivery. In addition, we can “fuse” images from different medical imaging
modalities (CT, MRI, PET, etc.) to get a more accurate map of the target…and therefore to deliver a more precise dose of radiation.

ExacTrac localization- This advanced, high-precision verification system enables us to precisely position—and treat—the target of IMRT’s radiation beam.

Access to diagnostic imaging- FRCC works closely with several leading area medical imaging centers that offer the full range of diagnostic exam required for treatment planning.