Mercy Medical Center adds new technology for cancer care

Mercy Medical Center has added new technology to its radiation therapy program that helps doctors deliver cancer treatment with greater accuracy and comfort for patients.

The new system, called Surface-Guided Radiation Therapy (SGRT), works alongside Mercy’s TrueBeam radiation system to help care teams ensure that patients are in the right position during treatment both before radiation begins and throughout the session. Using specialized cameras, the technology monitors a patient’s position and natural breathing in real time, allowing providers to account for movement that occurs as a patient breathes. The system can automatically pause treatment if movement is detected.

“This technology gives us added confidence that treatment is being delivered exactly where it needs to be,” said Dr. Wook Lee, radiation oncologist at Mercy’s Hall-Perrine Cancer Center. “It helps us protect healthy tissue while keeping patients comfortable and informed during their care.”

Unlike traditional radiation therapy that may require small permanent skin marks for alignment, SGRT uses advanced cameras to position patients without tattoos. SGRT can also reduce the need for repeat imaging or repositioning. As a result, treatments are often quicker, easier and less stressful for patients.

Mercy plans to use SGRT for a variety of cancers, including breast cancer and other treatments where precise positioning is especially important.

“Bringing this technology to Mercy reflects our commitment to providing advanced, patient‑centered cancer care close to home,” Dr. Lee said.