Rapid City Regional Hospital's Cancer Care Institute uses a highly advanced three-dimensional (3-D) treatment planning software system. Detailed 3-D models of each patient's "insides" are built by computer using dozens - and sometimes hundreds - of closely spaced X-ray type images generated by CT (computerized tomography, often called a "cat scan") or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) technology.

This ability to look inside the body allows physicians and staff to visualize and target tumors with extreme accuracy. It also helps them determine dosages and radiation beam angles to attack the tumor and still protect surrounding vital organs.

A high-speed CT scanner is located in the Cancer Care Institute so that every patient receives the benefit of this precise treatment planning.