Cincinnati - The Christ Hospital, 2139 Auburn Ave., is holding an open house on Thursday, Aug. 4 from 2 - 5 p.m., to showcase its new technology in cancer and PET (Positron Emission Tomography) services in a state-of-the-art holistic environment. Members of the media are invited to attend for photographs, demonstrations and/or interviews with Rodney Geier, M.D., medical director, radiation medicine, The Christ Hospital Cancer Center, Brian Weaver, M.D., director of PET imaging, The Christ Hospital and Philip Munschauer, D.O., director of metabolic imaging and nuclear medicine, The Christ Hospital.

The Phillips GEMINI GXL System is the first fixed, hospital-based dedicated PET/CT scanner available in the Greater Cincinnati area. It allows physicians to obtain highly comparable, "fused" CT and PET images during one patient session in less time than conventional PET or CT performed separately. The system features a unique open design that improves patient comfort and provides easier access to the patient. The PET/CT fused image offers better localization of the PET metabolic information through precise overlay with the CT structural information. This promotes more accurate evaluations of cancers and helps the patient's physician determine the best course of treatment. Additionally, when integrated with Radiation Therapy Planning (RTP), the information helps identify the target area for radiation treatment.

The Christ Hospital Cancer Center is improving radiation therapy for cancer patients by offering two new Varian Clinac 23EX Platinum linear accelerators with multi-leaf collimation, with Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) capabilities. IMRT is an advanced mode of high-precision radiotherapy that utilizes computer-controlled x-rayaccelerators to deliver precise radiation doses to a malignant tumor or specific areas within the tumor. The radiation dose is designed to conform to the three-dimensional (3-D) shape of the tumor by controlling the intensity of the radiation beam to focus a higher radiation dose to the tumor while minimizing radiation exposure to surrounding normal tissues.

"Oncology imaging is of the utmost importance to be able to 'see' the extent of disease to be able to fine-tune treatment planning," said Connie Cook, manager, The Christ Hospital Cancer Center. "With the PET and CT scanner, the images can be sent electronically to the treatment planning computers and a more targeted, effective and safe plan can be designed for the patient's course of radiation treatments."

The new equipment is located in the same unit of the hospital to better serve patients. The treatment area has been renovated to create a holistic area for patients to relax. Renovations include open, more contemporary spacing, access to an outdoor patio with a water feature, a large salt water aquatic exhibit and regular visits of local harp, violin, guitar and saxophone soloists. In addition, the new Sharron Moore Eckel Resource Center provides an area for patients to be able to read, search the website and view educational or inspirational DVD's.

The Christ Hospital is part of the Health Alliance, an integrated health care delivery system that also includes The University Hospital, The St. Luke Hospitals, The Jewish Hospital, Fort Hamilton Hospital and the physicians of Alliance Primary Care. To view other Health Alliance news releases, go to www.health-alliance.com/pressroom.