Question 1

What is adaptive radiotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Adaptive radiotherapy is an advanced form of radiation treatment that adjusts to changes in your tumor's size, shape, and position each day. Unlike conventional machines that deliver radiation based on a static plan made before treatment begins, the Akesis Gemini 360 re-images and recalculates your treatment plan at every single session. This means the radiation always targets where your tumor is today — not where it was last week.

Question 2

How long does treatment take?

Accepted Answer

Many cancers can be effectively treated in as few as 5 sessions over one week using adaptive SBRT (Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy). Traditional radiation often requires 20–45 treatments spread over 5–9 weeks. Each individual session typically lasts 15–30 minutes, with the actual radiation delivery taking only a few minutes. Our physicians and staff will determine the optimal treatment plan for your specific condition during your consultation.

Question 3

Is the treatment itself painful?

Accepted Answer

The delivery of the dose of radiation is painless — you won't feel anything during the treatment session. You'll lie comfortably on a treatment table while the Gemini 360 delivers radiation precisely to your tumor. Most patients continue their normal daily activities throughout treatment, including work, exercise, and spending time with family.

Question 4

What types of cancer can be treated with the Gemini 360?

Accepted Answer

The Akesis Gemini 360 can treat a wide range of cancers, including prostate, breast, lung, brain, liver, pancreatic, gynecologic, and many others. It is also effective for treating non-cancerous conditions such as osteoarthritis, Dupuytren's contracture, plantar fasciitis, and keloids. Our physicians and staff will assess whether adaptive radiotherapy is appropriate for your specific diagnosis.

Question 5

Can benign (non-cancerous) conditions be treated with radiation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Low-dose radiation therapy is an established treatment for several benign conditions including Dupuytren's contracture (hand contracture), plantar fasciitis (chronic heel pain), and keloid scars. The precision of the Gemini 360 makes these treatments particularly effective with minimal impact on surrounding tissue.

Question 6

How does adaptive radiotherapy compare to conventional radiation?

Accepted Answer

The key difference is adaptability. Conventional machines deliver radiation based on a plan made before treatment starts and cannot adjust to day-to-day changes in your tumor. The Gemini 360 re-images your tumor at every session and recalculates the treatment plan in real time. This results in more precise targeting, less damage to healthy tissue, fewer side effects, and often dramatically fewer treatment sessions.

Question 7

What is the Akesis Gemini 360?

Accepted Answer

The Akesis Gemini 360 is an adaptive radiotherapy system that re-images and recalculates your treatment plan at every session. It's the only adaptive radiotherapy machine in Utah, located at 5D Cancer Services in St. George.

Question 8

Is the Gemini 360 FDA approved?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Akesis Gemini 360 has received both FDA 510(k) clearance and Premarket Approval — the most rigorous safety and effectiveness standards for medical devices in the United States. It has also been granted FDA Breakthrough Device Designation, a status reserved for technologies that offer significant advantages over existing treatments for life-threatening conditions.

Question 9

What does '0.3mm precision' mean?

Accepted Answer

The Gemini 360 achieves an isocenter accuracy of 0.3mm — about the width of three human hairs. This extraordinary precision means the radiation beam targets the tumor with millimeter accuracy, maximizing the dose to cancer cells while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. This level of precision is what enables shorter treatment courses with fewer side effects.

Question 10

Does insurance cover adaptive radiotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most major insurance plans cover radiation therapy, including adaptive radiotherapy. The Gemini 360 is FDA-cleared and adaptive radiotherapy is classified as medically necessary treatment — not experimental or investigational. Our billing team works directly with your insurance provider to verify coverage and obtain pre-authorization before treatment begins.

Question 11

Which insurance plans do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept Medicare, Medicaid, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, TRICARE, and many other plans. If you don't see your specific plan listed, call us — we work with most insurance providers and can verify your coverage quickly.

Question 12

Will I know my costs before treatment begins?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our billing team verifies your insurance coverage and provides a clear estimate of your out-of-pocket costs before your first treatment session. We believe in no surprise bills — you'll know what to expect financially before you commit to treatment.

Question 13

Do you offer financial assistance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can connect qualifying patients with financial assistance programs to help manage treatment costs. We also accept HSA and FSA payments. Contact our billing team to discuss your options.

Question 14

Is adaptive radiotherapy more expensive than traditional radiation?

Accepted Answer

Because adaptive radiotherapy often requires significantly fewer sessions (5 vs. 20–45), total treatment costs are frequently comparable to conventional radiation — sometimes even lower. You'll also save on indirect costs like transportation, time off work, and childcare for fewer appointments.

Question 15

What should I expect on my first visit?

Accepted Answer

Your first visit will include a comprehensive consultation with our physicians and staff, who will review your medical history, imaging, and pathology. You'll tour our facility, see the Gemini 360, and discuss a personalized treatment plan. The visit typically lasts about an hour, and you're encouraged to bring a friend or family member for support.

Question 16

Do I need a referral from my health care provider?

Accepted Answer

While a referral is not strictly required, we work closely with your existing healthcare provider to coordinate your care. You can also call our office directly at (435) 900-7060 to schedule a consultation, and we'll handle communication with other healthcare providers to ensure seamless, collaborative treatment.

Question 17

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Accepted Answer

Bring your insurance card, a list of current medications, any relevant medical records or imaging (CDs/USB drives), pathology reports, and a list of questions you'd like to ask our physicians and staff. It's also helpful to bring a notebook or have someone with you to take notes.

Question 18

How do I get my medical records to your office?

Accepted Answer

In many cases, we can obtain your records directly from your referring physician's office. You can also bring physical copies, CDs, or USB drives with imaging files to your appointment. Our team will coordinate with your other providers to ensure we have everything needed for an accurate treatment plan.

Question 19

What are the side effects of adaptive radiotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Because adaptive radiotherapy precisely targets the tumor while sparing surrounding tissue, side effects are typically significantly reduced compared to conventional radiation. The most common side effects are mild fatigue and localized skin irritation near the treatment area. Our staff will discuss potential side effects specific to your treatment area during your consultation.

Question 20

Can I continue working during treatment?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most patients continue their normal daily activities throughout treatment, including work. Because treatment sessions are relatively brief (15–30 minutes) and many treatment courses are completed in just one week, the disruption to your routine is minimal. Some patients experience mild fatigue, but it's generally manageable.

Question 21

How quickly do side effects resolve after treatment?

Accepted Answer

Most acute side effects from radiation therapy resolve within a few weeks after treatment ends. Because adaptive radiotherapy delivers less radiation to healthy tissue, recovery times tend to be shorter than with conventional radiation. Our physicians and staff will monitor your recovery and address any concerns.

Question 22

Will I lose my hair from radiation therapy?

Accepted Answer

Hair loss from radiation therapy only occurs in the area being treated. Unlike chemotherapy, radiation therapy does not cause body-wide hair loss. If your treatment area includes the scalp (such as for brain cancer), temporary hair loss in that area is possible. For treatments to the prostate, breast, lung, or other areas, hair loss is not expected.

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