ONJ Radiation Oncology has successfully started treating cancer patients with tattoo-free radiotherapy.
Tattoos are traditionally used in radiotherapy to help position patients in the exact same spot for each daily radiation treatment while our new method, surface-guided radiotherapy, is a more advanced technique that uses video tracking to follow the patient’s body surface in three dimensions, allowing patients to say goodbye to a permanent tattoo marker.
“It allows for patients to have accurate treatments without permanent skin tattoos,” says Director of Radiation Oncology Professor Farshad Foroudi. “Over the years, many patients, especially breast cancer patients, have asked if there is any alternative to tattoos or invasive permanent marks.”
Austin Health has started using this tattoo-free approach for breast cancer patients to avoid tattoos. Current breast cancer patient Katharina Videmer says, "I had picked up a brochure on my first visit, and it mentioned tattoos. While it didn't upset me, the big issue was that it would be a reminder. So, it was a nice surprise learning that I wouldn't need tattoos."
Many patients in the later stages of their cancer journey find permanent marks a constant reminder of their treatment. Surface-guided radiotherapy eliminates this issue. Over time, this treatment option is expected to expand to lung cancer, abdominal cancers, and cancers affecting the arms and legs, benefiting a significant number of patients at Austin Health.
The surface-guided radiotherapy program has been developed by a multidisciplinary team with key input from Ms. Nikki Shelton (Medical Physicist) and Ms. Rachel O'Meara (Radiation Therapist).
