Jan 29, 2008 12:06 pm US/Central
High-Tech Cancer Fighting Tool Arrives In Phila.
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) ―
A high-tech tool in the fight against cancer slowly made its way to the University of Pennsylvania early Tuesday morning.
Half of a 220-ton cyclotron made completed a 3,700 mile journey from Belgium to Philadelphia, reported CBS station KYW-TV. The massive load was carried by custom 19-axel, 200-foot long tractor trailer.
The cyclotron will accelerate atoms close to the speed of light in order to create extremely precise beams of energy to target tumors without harming surrounding organs. It's installation at the Roberts Proton Therapy Center will make the center the largest of its kind in the world.
"This is an advanced form of radiation therapy that focuses the beam in way that has very little damage, except to the tumor that we're trying to treat," said Ralph Muller, CEO of the UPenn Healthcare System.
Philadelphia's Mummer All-Stars welcomed the arrival of the 110-ton piece of equipment that will eventually help thousands suffering from cancer.
Bruce Mulford, who survived a bout with prostate cancer, said the new technology offers hope for those with the potentially deadly disease.
"I would have loved to have had this machine around and tried this out first," he said.
The device is expected to be functional in July 2009.
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