Investing in the Future of Cancer Treatment at Massey

The MR Linac is new to the Massey Cancer Center at VCU and will provide improved cancer treatment for patients with difficult-to-treat tumors like lung, liver, and pancreatic cancers.

A major supporter of Massey Cancer Center at VCU, TowneBank has once again made its mark on the local National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated cancer center. A recent gift by the TowneBank Foundation to the institution supports the MR Linac radiation oncology suite as well as a new patient and family lounge on the Breast Imaging/Radiology floor. Both are located in the VCU Health Adult Outpatient Pavilion.

An innovative 19-story, 615,000-square-foot building that opened to patients in December 2021, the facility consolidates the majority of VCU Massey Cancer Center’s outpatient services at the downtown medical campus. During its design, patient access, comfort, and conveniences were all of utmost importance. The result is a healing and welcoming space for patients and families. 

The addition of the MRIdian™ MR linear accelerator (MR Linac) brings the first-in-the-region technology for improving cancer treatment for patients with traditionally difficult-to-treat solid tumors like lung, liver, and pancreatic cancers. Using advanced imaging to guide and pinpoint the radiation beam to target the tumor, the MR Linac allows radiation oncologists to treat solid tumors in areas of the body where it was not previously possible. Lung cancer, for example, is traditionally difficult for traditional technologies to treat, because that part of the body is always moving. The MR Linac technology tracks the tumor movement in real time, which allows physicians to deliver the prescribed radiation amount. This makes the process more precise, also allowing for protection from radiation for surrounding healthy tissue.

“This new and unique technology is a very exciting and innovative radiation treatment approach that suggests the potential for higher cure rates with less toxicity,” said Douglas Arthur, MD, chair of radiation oncology and associate director for clinical affairs at VCU Massey Cancer Center. “Offering this for our patients sets Massey apart from other cancer centers in the state and the region.”

Understanding the impact this innovation will have on cancer patients and families in Richmond and throughout the Commonwealth is why TowneBank wanted to get involved. “This new imaging technology, coupled with the knowledge and experience of the health professionals at VCU and Massey Cancer Center, will have a tremendous impact on patient outcomes,” said Bob Aston, TowneBank executive chairman. “VCU Massey Cancer Center is providing the best in care for patients in Virginia and beyond, and TowneBank is honored to support these efforts and to do our part in the fight against cancer.”

TowneBank is a longtime donor to Massey, having supported the cancer center’s mission to prevent, treat and ultimately cure cancer, including sponsorship of Massey’s Women and Wellness initiative that raises awareness about the importance of screenings to address women’s cancers. “As a local bank, it is our mission to be an asset in every one of our communities by serving others and enriching lives,” said Tracey Jameson, senior vice president at TowneBank Richmond, who is a commercial lender for homebuilders and developers, as well as a member of the VCU Massey Cancer Center Advisory Board.

“Cancer impacts us all. One in three women and one in two men in the United States will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. While survivorship numbers continue to rise, cancer still touches nearly everyone. “With numbers like this, there really is no more critical need than fighting cancer,” Tracey said. For more information, visit MasseyCancerCenter.org.