Global Positioning Systems (GPS) are found in boats, cars, cell phones and even pet collars. Now, there is GPS for the Body®, and it helps fight prostate cancer.
Baltimore Washington Medical Center is the first hospital in Maryland to offer prostate cancer patients the Calypso® 4D Localization System™ - cutting-edge technology that provides precision-guided radiation therapy delivery with continuous organ-motion detection and monitoring.
Radiation therapy is designed to destroy a tumor’s cancer cells. To maximize treatment and minimize side effects, it is important radiation beams target only the tumor – not healthy tissues.
The Calypso system uses real-time information to ensure healthy tissues are protected during treatment. Prior to radiation therapy, physicians implant three 
Beacon® electromagnetic transponders – similar in size to a grain of rice – in a patient’s prostate. During daily radiation treatments, the transponders
provide continuous tracking of the prostate through the Calypso® 4D Localization System™ so that specialists can detect motion and make the appropriate adjustments. Tracking motion is important because organs move, even when patients are lying still. If a prostate moves during treatment, it could result in damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
For more information about the Calypso® 4D Localization System™, call 410-878-3087.
