Advancing MR-Sim & Brachytherapy at UMC Cancer Center

UMC is establishing a new cancer center featuring an MR-Sim program using GE-MR Sim equipment. The radiation oncology department treats 400 patients annually and offers HDR brachytherapy for gynecological cancers and adaptive therapy for head and neck tumors.

Problem

 Launching the MR-Sim program required careful resource planning, staff recruitment, and workflow integration with existing brachytherapy and adaptive therapy services, all while controlling costs.

Solutions

• Oversaw GE-MR Sim procurement and setup
• Supported 60 MR-based brachytherapy and 150 adaptive therapy plans
• Advised a 1.5 FTE team structure, including MR physicist, therapy physicist, MR therapist, and radiation oncologist
• Integrated MR workflows into existing GYN and H&N treatment protocols

Key Results and Impact

• Treated 65 MR-eligible patients in 2023
• Delivered 210 MR-based plans (brachytherapy + adaptive)
• Generated $360K in topline revenue
• Maintained cost efficiency with $265K recurring and $100K fixed startup costs
• Elevated UMC’s status as a center for advanced radiation therapy

Services Provided

• MR-Sim setup and commissioning
• MR-based planning for brachytherapy and adaptive therapy
• Staffing and operational planning
• Clinical workflow integration