Neags Host Reception to Unveil
From the September/October 2007 issue of e-Momentum
An enthusiastic group of University of Connecticut Health Center supporters, volunteers and staff members gathered recently at the historic Warner Theatre in Torrington to celebrate the newest addition to The Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center. The reception, hosted by the Neags, was designed to promote the groundbreaking accomplishments of the Cancer Center and to highlight the Cancer Center’s new Helical TomoTherapy Hi-Art System—the latest, most technologically advanced development in radiation oncology.
One of only approximately 150 such systems in use worldwide, this state-of-the-art equipment was acquired by the Health Center through through a $2.5 million gift from the Neags, who have also played a significant role in the ongoing restoration of the Warner, a 1930s-era movie palace that is now home to a variety of arts and entertainment offerings.
The technology employed by the TomoTherapy system differs from other, less-innovative and sophisticated systems in its unique ability to deliver radiation with pinpoint accuracy. That precision allows for far more effective treatment of tumors, and also reduces the amount of healthy tissue exposed to radiation. It is especially useful in treating patients with cancers of the head and neck, prostate, brain and other tumors adjacent to organs that could be damaged by radiation.
Robert Dowsett, M.D., chief of radiation oncology at the Health Center, likened the TomoTherapy system to Star Wars in its level of technological sophistication. By focusing the radiation more exactly, harmful side effects will be greatly reduced.
In preparation for the treatment, detailed 3-D imagery is taken of the patient, with doctors and technicians utilizing special software to identify the specific areas to be targeted with radiation and sparing surrounding normal tissue. Unlike previous technologies that use wide bands of radiation, TomoTherapy uses narrow rotating “pencil” beams of radiation to treat tumors from all directions with specifically determined levels of radiation intensity.
Those in attendance—including physicians from the Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center, members of the Cancer Center Advisory Board, and a host of UConn donors—heard remarks by University President Philip Austin, Peter Deckers, M.D., executive vice president of the Health Center and dean of the UConn School of Medicine, and Carolyn Runowicz, M.D., director of the Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center.
President Austin reflected on the monumental impact that the Neags’ philanthropy has had on the University, helping to shape its course for the twenty-first century through their extraordinary contributions. Deckers pointed out that, in addition to the TomoTherapy system, the Neags’ generosity has transformed many areas of the University, including the School of Education, the Cancer Center, and the Pat and Jim Calhoun Cardiology Center.
During her comments, Runowicz called attention to some of latest advances at the Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center, of which TomoTherapy is a shining example of the vision and commitment necessary to be at the forefront of cancer care. She emphasized the great need and importance of private philanthropy to the work currently under way at the Health Center, while thanking the Neags along with other major benefactors such as Bess and Michael Economos of Lea’s Foundation and others whose support and dedication are helping to ensure that the citizens of Connecticut have access to world-class cancer care at UConn.
