During the first few months of operation of the radiation oncology department, high-precision stereotactic treatments (HyperArc) were implemented, made possible by the latest-generation Varian EDGE™ linear accelerator. This accelerator enables the highly precise delivery of high doses of X-rays with optimal safety and in a shorter amount of time. The system’s advanced on-board imaging capabilities and respiratory synchronization features make it a unique and forward-looking platform for the medical team.
These two years of operation confirm the soundness of the choices made: high-performance, reliable equipment with over 99% machine availability and appointments kept on time for patients—a critical factor in radiation oncology to ensure treatment continuity. The department has also pioneered precision diagnostics by becoming one of the first institutions in Europe to offer MRI-only simulation for pelvic cancers and, soon, brain cancers.
Dr. Breuneval’s medical team was strengthened in 2019 with the arrival of Dr. Champion, an FMH-certified radiation oncologist, who has been a driving force behind innovations in the management of urological cancers. The team of medical radiology technicians will also expand in 2020 to ensure optimal patient care throughout their treatment journey.
A center of expertise in ENT oncology—combining surgery, radiology, nuclear medicine, pathology, medical oncology, and radiation therapy—has been established at La Tour, accounting for a significant portion of the patients treated in the department.
The department, with its patient-centered approach, is committed to a culture of innovation focused on medical excellence—a strategic priority for Hôpital de La Tour—as well as on restoring patients’ quality of life. Numerous projects are underway, some in partnership with industry, with the primary goal of providing patients and healthcare professionals with rapid and optimized access to precision medicine.