Trilogy

The Comprehensive Cancer Institute houses two linear accelerators for radiation treatment. One of these is Trilogy®, the world's most powerful and versatile image-guided radiation therapy and radiosurgery system. Trilogy is capable of delivering a highly focused dose of radiation, called Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT). By integrating CT scanning technology with this intense beam, Trilogy is also capable of delivering Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) for the purpose of radiosurgery.

St. James is the ONLY HOSPITAL in the Chicago area to offer Trilogy® with RapidArc delivery, which can operate up to 60 percent faster than conventional systems. By essentially treating the tumor with high-dose, image-guided radiation, Trilogy® may offer the equivalent of surgical removal.

The addition of a Trilogy® system means that we are now able to offer every modality of external beam radiation therapy, from conventional radiotherapy and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) to the newest and most advanced techniques available: image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT), stereotactic radio-surgery (SRS) and stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT). These highly advanced treatment modalities deliver powerful, tightly focused, exquisitely shaped radiation beams with unmatched accuracy

Radiation

Another innovative radiation therapy, High Dose Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy, involves implanting sources of radiation into body tissues. Brachytherapies can be used for the treatment of many types of tumors including cancers of the head and neck, breast, uterus and prostate. MammoSite®, a new technology used for the treatment of some breast tumors, can reduce treatment times from six weeks to one.

Diagnostic Imaging

Our dedicated Large-Bore CT scanner allows physicians to obtain three-dimensional images of the inner body structures. The machine itself is specially designed to accommodate larger patients or patients who must lie with their arms extended for the scan. We offer PET scanning technology, which allows radiologists to determine the growth of a tumor and to measure the effectiveness of treatment. Additionally, we combine CT scanning with MRI to provide more accurate treatment planning.

Infustion and Chemotherapy

CCI patients have the option of receiving both radiation and chemotherapies in one place, instead of having to go to multiple locations. In addition to chemotherapy, antibiotics and blood transfusions are also done at the CCI. Infusion services are also available for the treatment of chronic diseases other than cancer, including rheumatoid arthritis, Colorectal and infusion services for Crohn's disease.