New Features Improve Speed and Accuracy in Developing Cancer Treatment Plans

CMC Regional Cancer Center is taking cancer treatment to the next level by unveiling a new advanced tool for area cancer physicians and their patients: Velocity Oncology Imaging Software. Velocity helps radiation oncologists plan and implement cancer treatments more efficiently by transforming previously unconnected data into clinical knowledge.
A key feature of the software is VelocityConnect, a cloud-based data exchange platform which allows the radiation oncology department at CMC Regional Cancer Center to share data with different users at different clinics. The on-demand access allows radiation oncologists to see their imaging data any time, anywhere. VelocityConnect also enables radiation oncologists to collaborate on treatment planning with referring specialists directly involved in the patient’s care. This enhanced collaborative environment allows for increased accuracy and speed in developing the patient’s treatment plan, and reduces delays in starting treatment.
“VelocityConnect allows better integration of prior imaging and treatment information from outside facilities. This is a huge step in providing more advanced and accurate care,” said Jordan Johnson, Cancer Center director. “Patients see numerous physicians in the area and even out of state, and the imaging data they acquire at these locations is vital when it comes to cancer treatment planning. This is no longer a time-consuming roadblock with VelocityConnect.”
Brian Fowler, MD, radiation oncologist with East Tennessee Radiation Oncology, said that VelocityConnect also enhances his ability to interact with patients. “This increased efficiency allows me to spend even more time with our patients and their family members,” he said.
During the treatment process, patients’ anatomies and positions change. They gain or lose weight, their tumors respond to treatment, or they may be in different positions for the various imaging studies they may have received. Using advanced image processing tools, Velocity seamlessly integrates these data. Robust response assessment tools enable radiation oncologists to better understand a patient’s response to therapy, and adapt treatments as needed.
Currently there are more than 300 cancer treatment facilities using the Velocity platform throughout the world. Almost half of the top 50 cancer hospitals in the country are using Velocity, including M.D. Anderson, Duke, and Johns Hopkins.
“CMC Regional Cancer Center and its staff are committed to providing the highest level of care possible,” Johnson said. “We continue to raise the bar with the latest innovations like Velocity.”
For more information about cancer care at CMC Regional Medical Center, call 931-456-8390 or visit www.cmchealthcare.org.