Olean General Hospital (OGH), a Kaleida Health facility, is in the midst of a revolutionary upgrade to their linear accelerator, a key piece of equipment in the treatment of cancer.
This new piece of technology means a lot for the local community – safer, quicker therapies, higher precision and transformative care that enables more patients to stay at home for the advanced treatments they need.
Roberta Truman, manager of radiation medicine at the Mildred Milliman Radiation Medicine Center, answers what patients need to know about this state-of-the-art upgrade.
What is a linear accelerator?
A linear accelerator is a medical device used in radiation therapy treatments. It delivers a high energy x-ray that destroys tumor cells while sparing surrounding healthy tissue.
What upgrades are being made to the linear accelerator at Olean General Hospital?
The new linear accelerator being installed at OGH, the Varian TrueBeam, offers state-of-the-art technology – it’s one of the most advanced and latest technologies available for pinpoint radiation therapy and the same piece of equipment used by the top cancer centers in the country.
Key features include:
- Speed – High doses of radiation are given in just minutes.
- Accuracy – Precision is measured in increments of less than a millimeter. Every tumor is different, and TrueBeam can shape the radiation beam to match the size and form of more tumors, regardless of shape – including tumors that move when a patient breathes.
- Enhanced imaging – Advanced image guidance techniques are used during each treatment session. This assures the accurate delivery of radiation and allows the doctors to “see” the tumor they’re treating in real time to target it with pinpoint precision.
- Safety and comfort – This technology has built in safety and comfort features that optimize patient wellbeing for each session.
How will this equipment change the care experience for patients?
Upgrading the linear accelerator improves the overall experience for our patients receiving cancer care treatment. I’ve mentioned some of the key features above, but beyond the specs, the linear accelerator offers affordability and convenience in some unconventional ways.
When patients don’t need to visit large cities for specialized, advanced cancer care, they’re saving money on travel costs – hotels, parking, gas, maintenance for cars and time off of work can cost a significant amount during a course of treatment. Travel can also be an unnecessary physical and mental burden during an already difficult time. Getting proper rest may be hard to achieve if you stay in a hotel or are on the road for a majority of the day.
Does the installation period mean I don’t have access to cancer care services at OGH?
Radiation therapy services have been temporarily paused during the installation period, but other cancer care and navigation services at OGH remain operational.
While these services are paused, OGH patients are encouraged to take advantage of the coordinated care network and locations available as a part of the Kaleida Health Cancer Care network. With experienced oncologists and five major hospitals in the area, there will be no lapse in care as we finish this important upgrade. Find out more about Kaleida Health’s comprehensive Cancer Care services >
When will radiation treatments resume at OGH?
We anticipate patients returning to the office for consultations with our physicians in mid-April 2026, and we plan to resume treatments for our patients in early May 2026.
Is radiation care right for my cancer treatment?
While radiation treatment is extremely versatile, it may not be right for every type of cancer and every patient. Your physician will work with you to develop a care plan that uses the latest treatments that take your unique situation into consideration.
As OGH looks towards the opening of the new linear accelerator, doctors and staff encourage more patients to research receiving their treatments closer to home.
“Receiving your cancer treatment locally does not mean you are sacrificing quality care,” Truman reiterates. “The Mildred Milliman Radiation Medicine Center is part of Kaleida Health Cancer Care which allows patients to receive the most advanced treatment options along with comprehensive support services. Additionally, receiving cancer treatment in your hometown has many benefits and can make the process easier for you and your loved ones.”
To learn more about Kaleida Health Cancer Care, please visit https://www.kaleidahealth.org/cancer-care/.
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