From Innovation to Impact: How Hospital São Vicente de Paulo Is Transforming Contouring in Brazil

“AutoContour's ease of use was a major factor contributing to its adoption in our planning routine. With just a few clicks, the entire set of structures is delineated. It’s played an important role in increasing the efficiency of the planning process at our institution.”

We are excited to kick off the new year by celebrating Alisson Henrique Dal Col, Medical Physicist at Hospital São Vicente de Paulo in Guarapuava, Brazil, as our January 2025 User of the Month. Alisson and his team are representing the incredible advancements happening in radiation oncology across Latin America.

Guarapuava, a city of about 200,000 people in the agricultural heartland of Paraná state, is making strides in cancer care—thanks in part to Alisson Henrique Dal Col and the team at Hospital São Vicente de Paulo. Since opening its radiation therapy department on December 22, 2022, the hospital has been dedicated to improving oncology treatment in the region. The team, consisting of 1 Radiation Oncologist, 1 Physicist, 1 Dosimetrist, 4 Therapists, 2 Nurses, 1 Secretary, and 1 Caretaker, works with a linear accelerator that was provided through the PERSUS program—a Brazilian government initiative to advance radiation therapy services. Demonstrating a commitment to innovation, the hospital has embraced cutting-edge tools and technologies to optimize patient care. In 2024, they became early adopters of AutoContour in Brazil.

Alisson first learned about AutoContour at the Congress of the Brazilian Radiotherapy Society in 2023. He was immediately interested in testing our AutoContour. “At the time, we were struggling to reduce contour time and needed a solution. As soon as AutoContour was available, we requested a trial to assess its impact.”

Since integrating AutoContour, the team has seen meaningful improvements in their workflow. The software has standardized structure delineation, eliminating missing structures and reducing the time spent on contouring. “In the first month of use, the average delineation time decreased significantly,” Alisson noted. He credits the system’s ease of use for its smooth adoption. “With just a few clicks, the entire set of structures is delineated.”

During the trial period, Alisson also launched a research project to thoroughly evaluate the system’s integration into their workflow and justify its acquisition. “I wanted to understand its full impact—where it excelled, where adjustments might be needed, and how it could best serve us in the long term,” he said. His findings led to a poster presentation at the 26th Congress of the Brazilian Society of Radiotherapy, which highlighted the time savings and efficiency gains AutoContour brought to their department. Now, Alisson is preparing to finalize his data to further showcase how this contouring software is helping to transform radiation therapy workflows in Brazil.

As one of the first in Brazil to adopt AutoContour, Alisson has positioned Hospital São Vicente de Paulo as a leader in innovation for the region. “It’s exciting to be at the forefront of this technology,” he explains. “We’re showing what’s possible for radiation oncology in Latin America, and that’s something I’m really proud of.”

Alisson’s commitment to improving workflows at Hospital São Vicente de Paulo reflects his passion for delivering exceptional care. “For me, it’s not just about saving time; it’s about making a real difference for our patients and helping them get the best care possible.”

When he’s not at the hospital, Alisson enjoys unwinding with his acoustic guitar, often playing with friends. “Music is something I’ve always loved,” he said. He also shares a love of travel with his wife. “Whenever we have the opportunity, we love to go somewhere new and explore together.”