Patients with cancer now can see a 3-D preview of their radiation treatment

OHSU is the first in the nation to implement a virtual simulation tool into its clinical care program to help patients better understand, ask questions before procedures

By Amanda Gibbs November 15, 2017 Portland, Oregon

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Virtual Environment Radiotherapy Training

Students in OHSU's Radiation Therapy Program use Virtual Environment Radiotherapy Training, or VERT™ as part of their training, June 12, 2017. (Left to right) Michele Dumaran and Katerina Nilo. (OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)

Virtual Environment Radiotherapy Training

Virtual Environment Radiotherapy Training, or VERT™, displays 3-D images and simulations to teach radiation therapy and medical physics students about administering radiation therapy to patients. OHSU has been using this technology in its interprofessional education training programs since 2016. (OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)

Virtual Environment Radiotherapy Training

Students in OHSU's Radiation Therapy Program use Virtual Environment Radiotherapy Training, or VERT™ as part of their training, June 12, 2017. Program Director Kristi Tonning, M.S., R.T., works with student Annie Mae Jensen as the students work on an exercise. (OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)

Virtual Environment Radiotherapy Training

Students in OHSU's Radiation Therapy Program use Virtual Environment Radiotherapy Training, or VERT™ as part of their training, June 12, 2017. Daryn Baker moves the virtual machine into place using an iPad. (OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)

Virtual Environment Radiotherapy Training

Students in OHSU's Radiation Therapy Program use Virtual Environment Radiotherapy Training, or VERT™ as part of their training, June 12, 2017. (OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)

Virtual Environment Radiotherapy Training

Radiation therapist Estel Hayes runs through a virtual simulation (VERT™) presentation prepared for prostate cancer patients at Tuality/OHSU Cancer Center, August 23, 2017. The presentation gives patients and their families a 3-D view about what they will experience when receiving radiation therapy. (OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)

Virtual Environment Radiotherapy Training

Charles Thomas Jr., M.D., (right) watches a virtual simulation (VERT™) presentation for prostate cancer patients at Tuality/OHSU Cancer Center, August 23, 2017. The presentation gives patients and their families a 3-D view about what they will experience when receiving radiation therapy. (OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)

Virtual Environment Radiotherapy Training

By utilizing VERT™ before treatment, prostate cancer patients at Tuality/OHSU Cancer Center can now understand what they will experience during treatment to help alleviate concerns. Tuality/OHSU Cancer Center radiation therapist Estel Hayes prepares the radiation treatment machine where patients will receive radiation therapy. (OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)

Virtual Environment Radiotherapy Training

Kristi Tonning, M.S., R.T.

Kristi Tonning, M.S., R.T., director of the Radiation Therapy Program, OHSU School of Medicine, OHSU Knight Cancer Institute. (OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)

Charles Thomas Jr., M.D.

Charles Thomas Jr., M.D., professor and chair of radiation medicine, OHSU School of Medicine, and chair of the radiation oncology program, OHSU Knight Cancer Institute.(OHSU)