An update from Michael J. Yunes, MD
Director of Clinical Operations, Radiation Oncology, Baystate Health
The Division of Radiation Oncology at Baystate Health has implemented two new techniques which, for a sub-set of women with breast cancer, will help limit radiation dose to the heart and lung: Prone Breast Treatment and Deep Inspiration Breath Hold (DIBH).
For women with the appropriate anatomy and stage of breast cancer, either lying on the stomach (prone breast treatment) or holding a deep breath while the radiation machine is on (DIBH) will move the breast tissue away from normal anatomy, limiting radiation exposure to the heart and lung. Our first few patients are undergoing treatment right now, and we expect to broaden use of these methods through the remainder of the year.
We are also excited to welcome the newest member of our physician team, Dr. Shivank Garg. Dr. Garg joins us from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia where he completed his residency training in radiation oncology this spring and served as chief resident. Dr. Garg will become the fifth member of our physician team and began seeing new patients in August.
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