Medical Radiation Oncology

Main Content

Technology and Treatments

Advanced Treatment Platforms

Angled view of the Varian Edge Radiosurgery System in a diagnostics room.Varian Edge Radiosurgery System

The Varian Edge is a state-of-the-art radiosurgery and stereotactic radiotherapy platform designed for high-precision treatment of tumors throughout the body.

  • Submillimeter accuracy for intracranial and extracranial targets
  • Rapid treatment delivery using advanced imaging and motion tracking
  • Capable of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), along with advanced IMRT and conventional 3D conformal techniques
  • Integrated "Identify" system enhances patient positioning and verification

This technology enables highly focused treatments while minimizing radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.

Angled view of the Varian Ethos Adaptive Radiotherapy System in a diagnostics room.Varian Ethos Adaptive Radiotherapy System

The Varian Ethos system represents the next generation of radiation therapy through online adaptive treatment.

  • Daily adaptation of treatment plans based on patient anatomy at the time of treatment
  • AI-assisted contouring and planning to streamline clinical workflow
  • Integrated imaging to support real-time decision making
  • Personalized treatment delivery for each session

UMMC is the only center in Mississippi offering this level of adaptive radiotherapy and is among the early adopters in the United States.

Adaptive & AI-driven Radiation Therapy

A group of healthcare professionals gather around a computer workstation in a clinical area, reviewing information on a screen.Our department integrates artificial intelligence into routine clinical care:

  • AI-driven organ contouring for faster and more consistent treatment planning
  • Automated plan generation using Ethos Intelligent Optimization (AUTOM)
  • Reduced variability compared to traditional manual workflows
  • Improved efficiency, allowing more time for physician oversight and patient care

We are also among the first centers in the United States, and second globally, to implement Sun Nuclear's AdaptCheck software into the adaptive workflow.

Precision Setup & Motion Management

Surface Guided Radiation Therapy (SGRT)

Surface Guided Radiation Therapy (SGRT) uses advanced camera-based systems to monitor patient position in real time.

  • Accurate, non-invasive patient setup without additional radiation exposure
  • Continuous motion tracking during treatment delivery
  • Enables automatic treatment pause if motion exceeds predefined thresholds
  • Particularly valuable for breast, brain, and stereotactic treatments

Ethos is supported by Vision RT technology, enhancing real-time tracking and treatment accuracy.

Brachytherapy & Specialized Treatments

angled view of the Elekta Flexitron HDR Brachytherapy System on an isolated background.
    Image courtesy of Elekta

Elekta Flexitron HDR Brachytherapy System

The Flexitron system provides advanced high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy for precise internal radiation delivery.

  • MRI-guided brachytherapy for improved visualization and targeting
  • Advanced applicator systems, including the Venezia applicator for gynecologic treatments
  • High-precision dose delivery directly to the tumor site
  • Minimizes radiation exposure to surrounding normal tissues

Planning & Software Innovation

Varian Aria Oncology Information System & Eclipse Treatment Planning System

The department utilizes the latest version of the Varian Aria Oncology Information System and Eclipse Treatment Planning System, providing a fully integrated and streamlined approach to radiation therapy planning and delivery.

  • Centralized patient data management through Aria, supporting seamless clinical workflows
  • Advanced treatment planning with Eclipse for IMRT, VMAT and 3D conformal radiotherapy
  • High-precision dose calculation algorithms for complex cases
  • Robust image integration to support precise target delineation and contouring
  • Efficient coordination between planning, delivery, and verification systems

Together, Aria and Eclipse enable a cohesive, efficient and highly accurate treatment environment, supporting both standard and advanced radiation therapy techniques.