CCH Brings Cutting-Edge Cancer Care to Gillette with New Linear Accelerator

Campbell County Health (CCH) has installed a state-of-the-art Varian TrueBeam® linear accelerator at the Heptner Cancer Center, advancing cancer treatment options in northeast Wyoming. To help explain what this means for patients, we sat down with Leigh Johnson, MS, CMD, RTT, Radiation Oncology Director, Physicist, and Dosimetrist, to learn more about how this technology benefits our community. 

Can you briefly explain what a linear accelerator is and how it’s used in cancer treatment? 

A linear accelerator delivers highly targeted x-ray beams to destroy cancer cells. Some patients come to us with a tumor that’s still present, while others have already had surgery and we treat the area to ensure no hidden cancer cells remain. The simplest way to think of it is this: the machine uses strong x-ray beams to kill cancer cells while sparing as much healthy tissue as possible. 

Why did CCH choose the Varian TrueBeam system? 

Varian is the global leader in radiation therapy technology, holding about 80% of the market share. We’ve always used Varian systems at CCH because they are reliable, safe, and backed by an outstanding support team from engineers to trainers to physicists. The TrueBeam system is truly top-of-the-line, providing a higher level of precision and quality than other options on the market. 

How does this investment reflect CCH’s commitment to the community? 

Not every community our size has access to radiation oncology services. In fact, many patients in towns nearby must travel long distances for treatment. By investing in the most advanced equipment available, CCH shows its dedication to keeping care local. Patients can stay close to home, surrounded by family and friends, rather than traveling to Billings, Casper, or Rapid City for treatments. 

As a breast cancer survivor myself, I know firsthand how important it is to receive care close to home. When you’re going through treatment, being surrounded by your support system makes all the difference. Traveling out of town adds financial and emotional stress at a time when patients need stability and comfort. This investment means our patients can focus on healing right here in Gillette. 

Even during the time when our system was down for construction and installation, we never stopped supporting our patients. Through generous donations and grant funds raised by the Festival of Trees, we were able to help cover hotel stays and travel costs for patients who had to go elsewhere for radiation treatments. 

What makes the TrueBeam different from our previous radiation therapy machine? 

Our previous machine, the Varian iX, was an excellent system, but it lacked several important capabilities. The new TrueBeam includes: 

• Respiratory gating – tracks a patient’s breathing to ensure radiation is only delivered when the tumor is in the correct position. This is especially critical for left-sided breast cancer patients, where the heart is close to the treatment area. 

• Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) – advanced options that allow us to treat small brain, lung, or spine tumors with high-dose radiation in potentially fewer treatments than previously possible. 

• Six degrees of freedom table – adjusts for any patient movement (such as slight rotation or tilt) to ensure pinpoint accuracy. 

• Digital technology – faster treatments, improved imaging, and shorter time on the table for patients compared to the older analog system. 

How does the TrueBeam enhance precision in targeting tumors? 

It combines superior imaging, advanced patient-positioning, and surface-guided technology. Cameras create a 3D “map” of the patient’s body to track motion in real time, shutting off automatically if the patient moves outside the safe treatment zone. This means radiation is delivered with greater accuracy and safety. 

What types of cancers can be treated with TrueBeam? 

Virtually all cancers that require radiation can be treated from skin cancers, lymphomas, and sarcomas to breast, prostate, lung, and brain tumors. The system’s flexibility allows us to treat everything from superficial skin cancer to deeply located tumors. Importantly, patients with small brain or lung tumors who once had to travel out of town for stereotactic treatments will soon be able to receive that care right here in Gillette. 

How will patients experience treatments differently with TrueBeam? 

Patients will notice shorter treatment times, more comfortable sessions, and potentially fewer visits depending on their diagnosis. For example, instead of 30 daily treatments, some may complete their course of care in just a handful of appointments. The accuracy of the system also reduces side effects by sparing more healthy tissue. 

What does this advancement mean for cancer care in our region? 

It means patients in northeast Wyoming will have access to the same technology found at leading national centers such as MD Anderson or Mayo Clinic without leaving Gillette. This not only reduces the financial and emotional burden of travel but also keeps patients close to their support systems during treatment. For a community our size, having access to this level of care is remarkable. 

We’re excited to offer the very best in radiation therapy right here at home. With TrueBeam, our patients can be confident they are receiving the most advanced, precise, and compassionate cancer care available without leaving home.