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Jan 29, 2008 1:06 pm US/Eastern
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High-Tech Cancer Fighting Tool Arrives In Phila.
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
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 its way up the Schuylkill Expressway after a
3,700 mile journey from Belgium
to Philadelphia. 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.
Mummer All-Stars welcomed the arrival of the 110-ton piece of equipment that
will eventually help thousands suffering from cancer.
Mummer 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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