Iredell Health System Introduces Life-Changing Radiation Therapy System

Iredell Health System, a leading provider of comprehensive cancer care, has joined forces with LAP, a global leader in precision radiotherapy solutions, to bring life-changing technology to Iredell County. The installation of LAP's cutting-edge LUNA 3D system at the J. Allen Knox Radiation Therapy Center promises to elevate patient care with greater accuracy, comfort, and safety during treatment.

Utilizing what’s known as the LAP LUNA 3D surface-guided radiation therapy system (LUNA 3D SGRT), patients needing radiation therapy will receive the highest accuracy of radiation possible while undergoing treatment. It is the only system of its kind available within a 45-minute radius of Iredell Memorial Hospital in Statesville, where the radiation therapy center is located.

The system uses a multi-camera system to monitor and track the patient’s body surface in real-time. This allows providers to pinpoint treatment areas with precision and make the use of permanent tattoos optional.

"Our goal is to improve the quality of care we offer to our patients continuously," explained Laura Kerzwick, Director of Radiation Therapy for Iredell Health System. "With LAP's LUNA 3D system, we’re able to introduce the latest treatment advancements, giving patients access to treatments often only available at larger cancer centers."

LUNA 3D SGRT is used in both CT (computerized tomography) simulation for creating a treatment plan and in the LINAC (linear accelerator) to administer the radiation therapy. In CT simulation, detailed patient data is gathered both internally and externally, allowing the radiation oncologist and dosimetrist to create a precise treatment plan. With the help of LUNA 3D SGRT, the margin of error while receiving treatment reduces to millimeters, a life-changing innovation for anyone receiving radiation therapy. Breast cancer patients are a great example of this.

Studies have shown that cardiac toxicity is a significant concern for left breast cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy, as the heart is more directly exposed to radiation when the tumor is located on the left side, leading to an increased risk of developing heart complications like coronary artery disease and heart failure compared to patients with right-sided breast cancer; this risk increases with the dose of radiation received by the heart.

The new system tracks patient breath patterns and turns off when the targeted treatment area moves out of range. This is why the radiation therapy team uses deep inspiration breath holds to administer treatment. Deep inspiration breath holds are a technique used to reduce the amount of radiation that reaches the heart during radiation therapy for left-sided breast cancer patients. When the patient takes a deep breath and holds it while the radiation is delivered, the heart moves away from the breast and reduces the radiation exposure.

"Bringing LUNA 3D technology to Iredell Health System underscores our shared commitment to improving outcomes and comfort for cancer patients," said Jens Gauthier, Managing Director of LAP. "We are proud to support Iredell’s mission to provide world-class treatment with leading-edge solutions designed to enhance the effectiveness and safety of radiotherapy."

Through this partnership, Iredell Health System and LAP underscore their dedication to advancing cancer treatment with innovative technologies. With the LUNA 3D system, cancer patients in North Carolina can access highly accurate, effective, and compassionate care close to home.

For more information about LAP, visit lap-laser.com.

About Iredell Health System

Iredell Health System includes Iredell Memorial Hospital; Iredell Davis Medical Center; Iredell Davis Behavioral Health Hospital; Iredell Mooresville; Iredell Home Health; Iredell Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center; Community and Corporate Wellness; Occupational Medicine; the Iredell Physician Network and more. Iredell Memorial Hospital is the largest and only nonprofit hospital in Iredell County. The comprehensive healthcare organization has 391 licensed beds; close to 2,000 employees; and has approximately 365 healthcare providers representing various specialties. Centers of excellence include Women’s and Children’s; Cardiovascular; Cancer; Surgical Services and Wellness & Prevention. The health system’s Iredell Mooresville campus is home to the area’s only 24-hour urgent care facility, as well as an ambulatory surgery center, imaging center, rehabilitation services, and physician practices. The mission of Iredell Health System is to inspire wellbeing. For a comprehensive list of services and programs, visit.