The Calypso System is a state-of-the-art imaging system that tracks real-time movement of the body during radiation therapy.
The Calypso System is a state-of-the-art imaging system that uses Implantable or Surface Beacon® Transponders to track real-time movement of tumors during radiation therapy. Subtle movements during treatment can cause the radiation beam aimed at the tumor to touch surrounding healthy tissue. This can lead to unwanted side effects such as incontinence and impotence in prostate radiation treatment, or additional side effects associated with other types of cancer.
Used in combination with external beam radiation therapy, the Calypso system works just like the GPS in a car. It alerts your Radiation Therapist when your tumor is no longer in the treatment target zone and stops the radiation delivery. This avoids irradiating other nearby organs and minimizes unwanted side effects. Since the cancer can be targeted more accurately, the radiation margin can be diminished. This allows your Radiation Oncologist to prescribe a higher dose of radiation to the tumor and minimize radiation to normal tissue.