Calypso is a technology which, similar to the advanced state-of-the-art Gold-Marker IGRT technology used at ARC, allows the Radiation Oncologist to locate the prostate before treatment occurs. Similarly, Calypso uses markers in the prostate that send out a signal, which is read by a computer located next to the patient before treatment. The signals help pinpoint the prostate much like the Gold-Markers do in the Gold-Marker IGRT treatments performed at Advanced Radiation Centers, but that's where the similarities between the systems end.
Calypso is typically used by Radiation Oncology facilities with older radiation accelerators, which cannot be upgraded to the latest imaging devices like the On-Board Imager (OBI). Only accelerators that are 10-15 years old cannot be fitted with an OBI, like we have at Advanced Radiation Centers. Calypso was created just for these older machines so facilities would not have to upgrade their existing equipment. Any facility that has a Calypso, you will know also has an older machine. Older machine = older technology. The Calypso is a stand-alone unit that can be used alongside the older non-upgradable linear accelerator.
Unlike the Gold Marker IGRT Technology used at ARC, which is very visual and easy to read, Calypso provides NO images. It only provides numbers on a screen. The Calypso also provides no prostate, rectum or bladder volumes, and does not have the ability to use images to make specific changes in targeting. Since there is no image or view of the actual anatomy at any given moment, Calypso is at a major disadvantage compared to the linear accelerator-based technologies. Calypso is only good if the facility only has an older linear accelerator.
With On-Board Imaging (OBI) technology used at ARC, the prostate itself, along with the bladder and rectum are actually viewed prior to every treatment to ensure that the anatomy perfectly lines up with the treatment. This is a much better gauge than lining up numbers on a computer, as the Calypso provides.
Click here to find out more of the state-of-the-art IGRT technology used at Advanced Radiation Center of New York
