New patients continue to be seen using droplet isolation and social distancing precautions. All follow-up clinics are undertaken via telephone or virtual consultation. Brachytherapy is not proceeding at this time owing to the unavailability of seeds. Should you have any queries or concerns in relation to radiotherapy patients, either current, past or future, please don't hesitate to contact Dr Paul Kelly on email via kellyp6@upmc.ie'
The recently opened Bon Secours Radiotherapy Centre, located on the ground floor of the Bon Secours Cork Cancer Centre (BSCCC) is a state-of-the-art facility providing the most technologically advanced radiotherapy services to patients in the South of Ireland.
The service has been developed in partnership with UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Medical Centre), a leading US academic medical centre. UPMC is recognised for its high standards of service, scientifically-based protocols and technologically advanced treatment.
Radiation therapy is a major part of cancer care. Most people will receive some form of radiation during their course of treatment. Radiation therapy can be used as the sole treatment for cancer, or in combination with surgery, chemotherapy, and/or hormone therapy.
Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) deliver a precise amount of radiation in a shorter amount of time than conventional treatments. SRS targets tumours of the spine, brain, and head and neck. SBRT targets tumours in other parts of the body that may be hard to reach.
These types of radiation treatments are designed to destroy the genetic material that controls how cells grow and divide, including cancer-cell DNA. This is achieved by administering small doses of highly-concentrated radiation each day which amount to a higher final dose. The goal of radiation therapy is to destroy cancer cells while affecting as few normal, healthy cells as possible.
Bon Secours Radiotherapy Centre, in partnership with UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre, combines the expertise of Ireland’s largest independent health care provider with UPMC’s world-renowned model of cancer care.
Bon Secours Cork Cancer Centre are equipped with some of the most advanced technologies available. This includes Munster's only Varian Edge™ Radiotherapy System, which precisely delivers measured doses of radiation to a specific part of the body.
With the Edge™ system, treatments can be performed with ease, precision, and speed – often in just a few minutes each day. Treatments that typically would take 30 to 60 minutes may be completed in just 5 to 20 minutes. Faster radiation treatments can be easier on the patient since they may not need to hold still for long periods of time. Independent studies have also shown that with faster treatments there is less time for a tumour to change position, resulting in a more effective treatment.
Bon Secours Radiotherapy Centre in Partnership with UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre
Western Road Entrance, Cork.
T: 021 486 1100
E: info-hccbs@upmc.ie