Nearly $10 million to be invested in cancer treatments at U-M Hospital

Nearly $10 million in improvements and new equipment are coming to the University of Michigan Health System, and also bringing about innovation in cancer treatment.Two projects, one at $4.9 million, the other at $4.8 million, will upgrade treatments and treatment facilities in radiation therapy and angiography.The larger project will establish a new MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) system to the Department of Radiation Oncology and require the renovation of 1,800 square feet at the hospital. The MRI machine will replace an 11-year-old CT (computed tomograph) simulator.The MRI as a preferred treatment approach over CT scanning is believed to be a first in the state and possibly in the country, says Ian Demsky, an associate public relations representative for the University of Michigan Health System.The second project will bring in a CTA, computed tomography angiography, technology that lets doctors examine blood vessels with more detail than an MRI or ultrasound. It will require the renovation of two radiology rooms that total about 1,400 square feet. The upgrades will be completed in the coming months.Source: Ian Demsky, spokesperson, University of Michigan Health SystemWriter: Kim North Shine