Baltimore – – October 13, 2026 -- Mercy Medical Center is offering selected prostate cancer patients stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) that can be finished in as few as five sessions, using its upgraded Varian TrueBeam radiotherapy system.
The five treatments take place over about two weeks. The usual alternative is daily radiation spread over many weeks.
TrueBeam targets tumors to less than a millimeter
According to Kelly Orwat, M.D., Director of Radiation Oncology at Mercy, the system can target tumors in increments of less than a millimeter. It combines image guidance with focused radiation designed to spare surrounding healthy tissue. Mercy's unit is configured for image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), SBRT, volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) and other advanced techniques.
In VMAT, the linear accelerator rotates around the patient while shaping the radiation beam. That delivers dose from multiple angles around the target.
Gold markers help track a moving prostate
The prostate sits close to the bladder and rectum and can shift as those organs change. TrueBeam uses onboard three-dimensional imaging during treatment so the team can locate the target and adjust.
Dr. Orwat has introduced fiducial marker tracking for prostate SBRT at Mercy, according to Senior Medical Physicist Kai Dou. Tiny gold markers are placed in the prostate and show up clearly during treatment. Standard X-ray and CT imaging do not always give a clear view of the prostate and nearby soft tissue.
Studies of Varian's intrafraction motion-review technology found it can detect prostate displacement during treatment. It also helps assess how motion affects target coverage.
"The prostate is not a completely stationary target," Dr. Orwat said.
Not every patient qualifies for the shorter course
Mercy describes the option as being for appropriately selected patients. Dr. Orwat said the number of treatments is only part of the decision. Choosing the right patients and delivering the right treatment matter more, she said.
Dr. Orwat has experience with CyberKnife and with linear-accelerator-based treatments. The radiation oncology department is accredited through the American College of Radiology Radiation Oncology Practice Accreditation Program. That program evaluates clinical personnel, equipment, treatment planning, patient records, safety policies and quality-assurance practices.
Urologists and radiation oncologists review each case together
Radiation Oncology works with Urology Specialists of Maryland at Mercy, so both specialties evaluate a patient's diagnosis and options. Mercy urologist Dr. Damon Davis said cancer characteristics, overall health, anatomy and patient preferences all factor into the choice. When radiation is appropriate, the team then decides which technology and approach fit that patient.