LAKEWOOD, CO (Oct. 15, 2026) – CommonSpirit St. Anthony Hospital is proud to announce a major leap forward in oncology care with the unveiling of the Varian Ethos™ therapy system. As the first facility in Colorado to offer this cutting-edge technology, CommonSpirit Cancer Center St. Anthony in Lakewood is officially shifting the paradigm of radiation oncology from "one-size-fits-all" planning to true, real-time Adaptive Intelligence.
Traditionally, radiation therapy has relied on a static treatment plan created before therapy begins. However, throughout a course of treatment, a patient’s anatomy can shift, and tumors often shrink or change shape as they respond. Addressing these changes previously required new scans and days of replanning, often necessitating larger treatment margins that could inadvertently expose healthy tissue to radiation.
The Ethos system changes this dynamic entirely. By using superior, high-detail imaging, the system allows the care team to visualize a patient’s anatomy in real time while they are on the treatment table.
"The new system allows us to generate a new, optimized treatment plan in a matter of minutes," said Dr. Elizabeth Ceilley, Radiation Oncologist at St. Anthony Hospital. "We no longer have to settle for a pre-set plan. By tailoring the radiation delivery to the patient’s body in that exact moment, we can maximize the dose to the tumor while sparing surrounding healthy organs, which significantly reduces side effects and improves the overall patient experience."
This technology is particularly transformative for cancers located in areas of the body where internal motion and anatomical changes are common. The Cancer Center at St. Anthony will use Ethos to provide specialized, adaptive care for:
- Urological and Gynecological Cancers: Ideal for prostate, cervical, bladder, rectal, and anal cancers, where daily variations in rectal and bladder filling necessitate precise adjustments.
- Abdominal and GI Cancers: Gastric and pancreatic cases benefit from the system’s ability to compensate for differences in bowel contents and location.
- Breast Cancer: For partial breast irradiation, where the surgical cavity may change during the course of treatment, Ethos ensures the highest level of conformality.
- Rapidly Responding Tumors: Cancers that shrink quickly, such as lymphoma, are ideal candidates for adaptive therapy, as the team can continuously update the plan to follow the tumor as it recedes.
"By investing in the Ethos system, St. Anthony Hospital is ensuring that our patients receive the most accurate, efficient, and personalized radiation therapy available in modern medicine," said Dr. Jeffery Albert, CommonSpirit Mountain Region’s Enterprise Medical Director of Oncology. "We are honored to be the first in Colorado to bring this level of precision to those we serve."
The new system was recently commemorated with a ceremonial blessing at the St. Anthony Hospital Cancer Center and is now fully operational for patient care.
Visit our Cancer Center page for more information about the Ethos system and the comprehensive cancer services provided at CommonSpirit St. Anthony Hospital.
Inspired by faith. Driven by innovation. Powered by humankindness. CommonSpirit Health is building a healthier future for all through its integrated health services. As one of the nation’s largest nonprofit Catholic healthcare organizations, CommonSpirit Health delivers more than 20 million patient encounters annually through more than 2,300 clinics, care sites and 137 hospital-based locations, in addition to its home-based services and virtual care offerings. CommonSpirit has more than 155,000 employees, 45,000 nurses and 25,000 physicians and advanced practice providers across 24 states and contributes more than $4 billion annually in charity care, community benefits and unreimbursed government programs. Together with our patients, physicians, partners, and communities, we are creating a more just, equitable, and innovative healthcare delivery system. Learn more at commonspirit.org.