LEWISTON – St. Joseph Regional Medical Center recently announced that its parent company, LifePoint Health, has invested $550,000 in new technology for cancer patients. This cutting-edge computed tomography (CT) system improves physicians’ ability to diagnose cancer and effectively plan for future radiation treatment. With this latest technology, physicians will have clearer images of patient anatomy to precisely target tumors and design personalized oncology treatment plans that best serve the patient.

“As we continue to fight cancer in its many forms, innovative technology becomes all the more vital in both caring for the patient and eradicating cancerous cells,” says Gerardo Midence, MD, an oncologist at St. Joe’s. “This new CT system will help our physicians see an amazing level of anatomical detail as they focus on not only targeting the tumor, but also minimizing exposure to the patients’ healthy surrounding tissue.”

The CT simulation system is patient-centered and user-friendly. It enables enhanced diagnostic accuracy; ensures precise visualization, patient positioning and monitoring; and facilitates a productive workflow. It is designed to make the scanning procedure more accurate and comfortable for patients – with a large gantry opening. The CT system’s advanced image reconstruction technology enables physicians to quickly view high-clarity images, with minimized breath-hold times required from the patient.

“This new technology is the latest addition in our radiation oncology services and part of our comprehensive cancer program, which includes medical oncology, surgical oncology and a full team of multidisciplinary specialists,” said Resa Konkright, LMSW, Director of St. Joseph Cancer Center.

“We are the only cancer treatment center in the area that is accredited by the Commission on Cancer, and we are continuing to increase access to cancer care options to better serve our community. It supports our mission of Making Communities Healthier and ensures that those battling cancer in our community have the high-quality care they need close to home.”