By Jennifer Seeker
 
September 5, 2008
 
MEDFORD, Ore. -- Three TV networks, cancer research advocates and dozens of celebrities joined forces to do battle against cancer Friday.
 
They took part in a live telethon that aired simultaneously on NBC, ABC and CBS called Stand Up To Cancer.
 
Network news anchors Katie Couric, Charles Gibson and Brian Williams emceed the program, discussing advances in research and telling heart wrenching tales of those struggling with the disease.
 
Meanwhile, oncologists at both Providence and Rogue Valley Medical Centers say they have been perfecting techniques to more accurately deliver radiation that allows them to give a higher dose without damaging surrounding tissues. They also are learning better ways to combine chemotherapy and radiation.
 
"In many cases, if you do chemo with radiation, you can actually lower the radiation dose, which ultimately lowers some of the risk," says Oncologist Dr. Jere Sandefur.
 
This spring, RVMC will welcome tomotherapy, which uses CAT scan-like technology to give a 3D view of the tumor and the surrounding region for even more accurate radiation.