We’re proud to share that a major step forward in cancer care has arrived in Southern Utah. 5D Cancer Services is opening soon in St. George, Utah, bringing with it the most advanced radiation therapy technology available in the state. We are introducing the Akesis Gemini 360, the first adaptive radiation therapy system of its kind in Utah, and it’s available close to home.
Cancer often develops deep within the body, sometimes near critical organs. From day to day, normal changes such as gas, bloating, or bladder fullness can cause tumors and surrounding healthy organs to shift positions slightly. While traditional radiation machines may detect these changes, they cannot fully adjust their predetermined target zones in real time to account for these position or shape alterations. This can result in a cancer target “miss” or unnecessary radiation given to healthy tissues, thereby increasing side effects.
The Gemini 360 changes that. This advanced system allows the radiation target area to be adapted immediately before treatment delivery should adjustments be required, guaranteeing a precise cancer strike while excluding the surrounding, noncancerous tissues. For patients, this means better cancer outcomes with fewer side effects. The illustration below shows the retargeting benefits of the Akesis 360 for prostate cancer despite an unexpected rectum gas bubble appearing on day two, altering treatment area positioning.
Another major benefit of improved accuracy is time savings. Radiation treatment plans that historically required daily patient visits for multiple weeks can now, in some instances, be completed in as few as five days. This can significantly improve quality of life, reduce disruption, and allow patients to spend more time at home with their families and support systems.
One recent case using this adaptive technology involved Bill O., a prostate cancer survivor who had to travel to UCLA for his therapy. Bill underwent just five treatments using this advanced approach, reducing his originally suggested treatment protocol by seven weeks without any side effects. His experience highlights the real-world impact of adaptive radiation therapy, which not only improves treatment precision but also shortens treatment timelines for many patients.
“Adaptive technology truly changes the landscape for cancer patients in Southern Utah,” explained Dr. Ritchie Stevens, medical director at 5D Cancer Services. “Patients no longer need to travel out of state as world-class treatment is now available right here in St. George.”
More Than Cancer Treatment
In addition to cancer care, 5D Cancer Services is introducing radiation medicine for select noncancer conditions. Extremely low-dose radiation has shown promising results nationwide for inflammatory conditions such as osteoarthritis, bursitis, plantar fasciitis, and tendinitis, particularly when other treatments have failed. These treatments are noninvasive, take only a few minutes, and are typically administered in six sessions over two to three weeks with minimal to no side effects.
5D is also offering treatment for Dupuytren’s contracture, a condition that causes the fingers to gradually curl toward the palm. In many cases, radiation therapy can help reverse, slow, or stop disease progression and may allow patients to avoid surgery.
As Southern Utah continues to grow, access to advanced medical care close to home is more important than ever. At 5D Cancer Services, our mission is to deliver innovative, precise treatment while allowing patients to remain in their community, surrounded by family and their support network.
Located in the former Gamma West Cancer Center, 5D Cancer Services is now accepting patients and consultations for advanced cancer care and select non cancer radiation treatments.
For more information on 5D Cancer Services visit: https://www.5dcancerservices.com/
Health & Wellness
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dr. Ritchie N. Stevens completed his residency in radiation oncology at the University of California, Irvine, working alongside world-renowned physicians at the City of Hope Medical Center in Duarte, California. For three decades, his work in radiation oncology in southern Nevada remained a dominant force, particularly with prostate and gynecologic malignancies. Over time, his interests increasingly focused on embracing technological advancements that produce superior outcomes, reduce side effects, and shorten treatment times.
Always a proponent of patient education, awareness, and convenience, Dr. Stevens joins 5D Cancer Services with the goal of providing advanced radiation care through leading-edge technologies to the St. George and Southern Utah area, ultimately improving patients’ chances of beating cancer with fewer side effects.