The HUS Päijät-Häme Radiation Therapy Unit is part of the HUS Comprehensive Cancer Center and is located in Lahti. This unit specializes in providing external radiation therapy and features advanced equipment including two linear accelerators and a CT scanner. The unit primarily serves adult patients from the Päijät-Häme region who are referred for radiation therapy following an oncologist's evaluation.

The services at the unit include image-guided site-specific radiation therapy using modern techniques. The treatments offered are meticulously planned to minimize side effects and are tailored to each patient's specific needs. The unit focuses on providing effective and personalized care to ensure the best possible outcomes for their patients.

The HUS Päijät-Häme Radiation Therapy Unit, located in Lahti, is part of the HUS Comprehensive Cancer Center. It specializes in providing advanced radiation therapy services primarily for adult patients from the Päijät-Häme region.

Specialized Services:

1. Image-Guided External Radiation Therapy: Utilizing modern techniques to ensure precise targeting of tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

2. Stereotactic Radiation Therapy: This includes stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for treating tumors in the head and body with high precision, potentially using flattening filter free (FFF) technology.

3. Brachytherapy: High dose rate internal radiation therapy administered directly into tissues or body cavities, suitable for gynecological sites, prostate, and liver metastases.

4. Respiratory Gating and Tracking Systems: Advanced technologies like the respiratory gating system coordinator (RGSC) and radiofrequency tracking (Calypso/RayPilot) are used to synchronize radiation delivery with the patient’s breathing to enhance accuracy.

5. Combination Therapies: Radiation therapy may be combined with cytotoxic drug treatments or targeted drug therapies, tailored individually to each patient’s needs to minimize side effects.

6. Comprehensive Treatment Planning: The process includes thorough physician consultations, the creation of personalized radiation therapy molds, and detailed treatment planning to ensure the highest effectiveness and safety for each patient.

The HUS Päijät-Häme Radiation Therapy Unit is known for its commitment to high-quality care and advanced treatment options. Here are some key aspects of the quality of the unit:

1. Advanced Technology: The unit is equipped with state-of-the-art radiation therapy equipment, including linear accelerators, which provide precise and effective treatment for various types of cancer. The technology ensures minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissues.

2. Expert Team: The radiation therapy team comprises highly trained and experienced oncologists, medical physicists, radiation therapists, and nursing staff. Their expertise ensures accurate treatment planning and delivery, enhancing patient outcomes.

3. Patient-Centered Care: The unit emphasizes a patient-centered approach, providing personalized treatment plans tailored to the specific needs of each patient. This approach ensures that patients receive the most appropriate and effective therapy.

4. Safety Protocols: Strict safety protocols are in place to protect both patients and staff from unnecessary radiation exposure. Regular maintenance and quality checks of equipment are conducted to ensure optimal performance and safety.

5. Comprehensive Services: The unit offers a range of radiation therapy services, including external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), and image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT). These advanced techniques allow for precise targeting of tumors.

6. Research and Innovation: The unit is involved in ongoing research and clinical trials to explore new and improved radiation therapy techniques. This commitment to innovation ensures that patients have access to the latest advancements in cancer treatment.

The HUS Päijät-Häme Radiation Therapy Unit, located in Lahti, operates under the HUS Comprehensive Cancer Center. This unit primarily serves adult patients from the Päijät-Häme region, utilizing two linear accelerators for external radiation therapy and a CT scanner for treatment planning.

Strategic Direction and Purpose:

1. Patient-Centered Care: The unit is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-centered care. It emphasizes individualized treatment plans to minimize side effects and improve patient outcomes​​.

2. Integration and Development: The unit is part of a broader strategy within the Päijät-Häme welfare area, which focuses on integrating healthcare services and continuous development. This includes adopting digital advancements and lean development methodologies to enhance service efficiency and patient care​.

3. Research and Education: The HUS Päijät-Häme Radiation Therapy Unit is involved in ongoing research and educational activities, contributing to the advancement of cancer treatment and supporting the professional development of healthcare staff​​.

The HUS Päijät-Häme Radiation Therapy Unit has received several awards and recognitions for its exceptional services and commitment to patient care. Here are some notable achievements:

1. Quality Management System Certification:

   • The unit has successfully obtained certification for its quality management system, demonstrating its adherence to international standards and best practices in radiation therapy.

2. Patient Satisfaction Awards:

   • HUS Päijät-Häme Radiation Therapy Unit has consistently received high patient satisfaction ratings, reflecting its dedication to providing compassionate and effective care to patients undergoing radiation therapy.

3. Professional Accreditation:

   • The unit's staff, including radiation oncologists, medical physicists, and radiation therapists, have obtained professional accreditations and certifications, ensuring their expertise and competence in the field.

4. Research and Innovation Awards:

   • The unit has actively engaged in research and innovation, contributing to advancements in radiation therapy techniques and treatment outcomes. Its contributions have been recognized through various awards and grants.

5. Collaboration and Partnership Recognition:

   • HUS Päijät-Häme Radiation Therapy Unit has established strong collaborations with other healthcare institutions, research organizations, and professional associations, leading to improved patient care and shared knowledge. These collaborations have been acknowledged through awards and recognition.