First patients treated with new cancer-fighting technology at GenesisCare, Albury-Wodonga

Albury, Australia – Local cancer care provider GenesisCare is now treating patients with new cancer-fighting equipment at the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre.

The technology upgrade worth around $5 million includes a new linear accelerator machine, an essential tool in the delivery of radiation treatment to cancer patients which will replace an existing unit and treat hundreds of local patients from the Border community every year. Also included in the upgrade is a new advanced imaging system with thermal imaging and X-rays that help target tumours with sub-millimetre accuracy.

GenesisCare Radiation Oncologist Dr Jonathon Wake said: “Our team at GenesisCare Albury-Wodonga is excited to introduce this new technology. This upgrade is a major investment in our regional community and ensures local patients have access to the same best-practice radiation therapy techniques available in major cities. Cancer care is constantly advancing, and our teams are committed to bringing the latest innovations to regional patients so they can receive high-quality care close to home,” said Dr Wake.

“The two new treatment platforms will work together to deliver precise radiotherapy treatment to tumours faster and with potentially less side effects for patients and a better quality of life. The upgraded imaging system can monitor the patient’s position in real-time so that we can target tumours with sub-millimetre precision and place the patient in the same position each treatment and continue therapy with the same level of accuracy.” 

GenesisCare Radiation Oncologist Dr Jonathon Wake said: “Our team at GenesisCare Albury-Wodonga is excited to introduce this new technology. This upgrade is a major investment in our regional community and ensures local patients have access to the same best-practice radiation therapy techniques available in major cities. Cancer care is constantly advancing, and our teams are committed to bringing the latest innovations to regional patients so they can receive high-quality care close to home,” said Dr Wake.

“The two new treatment platforms will work together to deliver precise radiotherapy treatment to tumours faster and with potentially less side effects for patients and a better quality of life. The upgraded imaging system can monitor the patient’s position in real-time so that we can target tumours with sub-millimetre precision and place the patient in the same position each treatment and continue therapy with the same level of accuracy.”

GenesisCare Albury Wodonga Centre Leader, Joan Schroen, said the upgrades are part of the cancer care provider’s commitment to striving for the best possible outcomes for patients: “With a total investment of $5 million, our aim is to continue to improve high-quality precision cancer care closer to home for patients in the Albury Wodonga area and nearby communities. We thank Albury Wodonga Health and our patients for their collaboration during this upgrade process,” said Ms Schroen.

“Albury Wodonga Health has partnered with GenesisCare since the cancer centre opened in 2016,” says Dr Brett Hamilton, Clinical Director of Cancer Services, Albury Wodonga Health. “As we approach our ten-year anniversary, we welcome this investment from GenesisCare that will continue to support the delivery of high-quality cancer care for patients across the region, and the legacy of world class care being delivered closer to home.”

The new linear accelerator machine weighs nine tonnes, about the same as a large male elephant, and was brought into the centre with a crane and a team of riggers, engineers, and medical physicists who are experts in radiation therapy equipment delivery, who then spend around two months preparing the machine for treatment.

GenesisCare Albury Wodonga offers targeted radiation therapy techniques, supported by a multidisciplinary team of radiation oncologists, nurses, physicists, and allied health professionals. Radiation Oncologists Dr Craig Macleod, Dr Eddy Ong and Dr Johnathon Wake strive to offer prompt access to consultation and treatment for adult patients and a range of tumour types. The centre’s commitment to innovation and patient-centred care ensures that the local community have access to high-quality treatment close to their homes.

The GenesisCare centre is located on the ground floor within the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre. GenesisCare operates this service as a contracted public radiotherapy provider to support the Victorian Department of Health model, delivering treatment to public patients with no out-of-pocket costs for Medicare-eligible patients.