Reid Health upgrades cancer treatment technology, donates equipment to help patients in need
Nov. 19, 2025 -- Oncology patients at Reid Health have access to the latest in high-precision radiotherapy treatment technology.
Reid Health
Cancer Center recently replaced its TrueBeam® system from Varian
Medical Systems with a new unit, providing the highest level of care for
patients receiving radiation treatment. The new system was installed Sept. 12.
The TrueBeam
radiotherapy system delivers precise, personalized cancer treatments with
accuracy measured in millimeters. By integrating imaging, beam delivery, and
motion management, it enables clinicians to target tumors from nearly any angle
while minimizing radiation exposure to healthy tissue.
Jenny Schepis,
Physician Practice Manager for Oncology Services at Reid Health, said
maintenance and repair needs on the older machine had caused some delays, and
the new TrueBeam ensures treatments and appointment schedules run more smoothly
for patients.
"Replacing the
TrueBeam ensures patients continue to receive the most reliable and advanced
radiation treatment possible," Schepis said.
While Reid
upgraded its technology to enhance care for patients locally, the health system
extended its mission of well-being by donating the previous unit to Radiating
Hope.
Tom Ladd, Executive Director of Radiating Hope, said the volunteer-run, cancer-cure-focused nonprofit organization provides radiation equipment, training, and education to developing countries.
"Machine
donations like Reid's can either be placed in an area of need or returned to
the manufacturer, in which case Radiating Hope receives a benefit that can be
used to purchase new equipment," Ladd said.
Although
Radiating Hope couldn't place the machine as a full unit, access to its parts
and the credit from Varian are still vital, he added.
"All machines
returned to the manufacturer are recycled, and their parts are used to keep
other machines operational. Whenever possible, Radiating Hope places donations
directly and has placed 26 machines across the world in countries including
Senegal, Nepal, Tanzania, Ukraine, Bolivia, Ghana, and Guatemala."
Through the
collaboration, Reid's retired TrueBeam will continue to serve patients in need,
expanding access to life-saving technology and reinforcing its commitment to
patient-centered care.
When it came
time to replace the older system, Reid's administration was referred to
Radiating Hope by Charles Webb, Chief Medical Physicist & Radiation Safety
Officer for Reid Health Physician Associates. He had previously worked for an
organization that made a similar donation and helped to coordinate the donation
for Reid.
"Having the
opportunity to help others with their cancer treatment is very exciting," Webb
said.
"Being part of
an effort to expand access to care is something our entire team is proud of.
Cancer care can be challenging no matter where you live, so being able to
facilitate something that makes treatment possible for more people worldwide is
pretty special."
For more
information about TrueBeam technology, visit
reidhealth.org/services/robotics-technology/truebeam-radiotherapy-technology.