RWJBarnabas Health and the Rutgers Cancer Institute, the state’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, are unveiling the Elekta Unity MR-Linac, a highly advanced imaging and radiation oncology technology, at the Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center, the state’s only freestanding cancer hospital, located on the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital academic medical campus.
The MR-Linac at the Morris Cancer Center will be one of 100 operational worldwide and one of just two in New Jersey. A third center in the state will be available when the Melchiorre Cancer Center at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, also an RWJBarnabas Health facility, opens later this year.
The MR-Linac combines high field magnetic resonance imaging with precise radiation therapy delivery in one device. This allows the medical team to see the size, shape and location of the tumor and surrounding healthy organs in real time, delivering radiation therapy with pinpoint accuracy and adapting treatment as needed during each session. This technology may also help spare healthy cells from unnecessary radiation, reduce side effects, and in some cases shorten the total number of treatment sessions.
“The addition of the MR-Linac is a valuable enhancement to our suite of sophisticated radiation therapy techniques and further expands our leadership in providing state-of-the-art technology at the Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center,” stated Dr. Joseph Contessa, chair of radiation of oncology and associate director of translational research at Rutgers Cancer Institute.
“It enables our nationally recognized physicians to more precisely tailor treatments for each patient, reflecting our commitment to integrating the latest scientific innovations into clinical practice.” Contessa is also the chair of radiation oncology at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical and New Jersey Medical School.
“Used for many types of cancers including pancreatic, liver, kidney and prostate, the MR-Linac allows us to see the tumor as we are treating it, making real time adjustments and providing personalized treatments,” said Dr. Bruce Haffty, MS system director of radiation oncology, RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute.
In June, RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute officially opened the doors of the 12-story, 520,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center — the state’s only freestanding, comprehensive cancer hospital, one of just 13 in the nation. The Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center is the cornerstone of RWJBarnabas Health’s more than $1.5 billion investment to expand oncology services across the state.
