Earlier in 2016 Willis-Knighton Health System purchased two Elekta Versa HD linear accelerators as part of the Willis-Knighton Cancer Center’s continuing technology upgrades. The first of the accelerators has been installed, and patients are currently being treated using this advanced linear accelerator technology.

Linear accelerators have been used for radiation therapy since the center opened in 2000. According to Lane Rosen, MD, director of radiation oncology at the center, the new equipment will be used to deliver Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT), Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) and Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT). 

Willis-Knighton has been at the leading edge of linear accelerator technology, the effectiveness of which has been enhanced in recent years. Those enhancements include advances in TomoTherapy IMRT developed by Rosen and his partners at the Willis-Knighton Cancer Center. 

“Elekta, the manufacturer of this new equipment, has asked us to partner with them to teach others how to use their equipment effectively in a community hospital setting,” Rosen said. “We are honored to participate with them in this training. It is not just an honor for us as physicians but for Willis-Knighton and Shreveport as well.”