Elekta Linear Accelerator for the
Cancer Therapy and Research Center (CTRC)

The departments of Radiation Oncology and Facilities Management are pleased to announce the most recent addition to the Cancer Therapy Research Center (CTRC): an Elekta Linear Accelerator.  Located in Vault # 6, this linear accelerator uses x-rays to target tumors and eliminate the growth of the cells in patients. Dr. Niko Papanikolaou and his staff, who focus on image-guided radiotherapy and optimization, will be the principal handlers of this new equipment.

Facilities Management's role in this project was to renovate the outdated vault to house the new accelerator. Construction began in the late Spring of 2014 and the delivery of the linear accelerator in June of 2014 with the removal of the existing device which was no longer in use. After modernizing the space, substantial completion was achieved in October of 2014. CTRC staff anticipates testing and commissioning to be complete in time for first patient use in early 2015.   Keeping with the tradition of making lives better, this impressive new linear accelerator will expand the capability of the CTRC facility, as a National Cancer Institute (NCI) - designated cancer center, to provide world class medical care to both South Texas and the nation.

Dan Parker was assigned as the construction project manager for this installation.