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Most people would say that a map is a useful tool, but a GPS is better. Similarly, those in the field of radiation oncology know that a linear accelerator is an important innovation in cancer treatment, but McLaren's TrueBeam technology sets a new standard.
The TrueBeam real-time imaging and treatment system at McLaren Cancer Institute in Flint is the only system of its kind in Michigan. A fully-integrated design, it treats moving tumors with unprecedented speed and accuracy. TrueBeam incorporates numerous technical innovations that synchronize imaging, patient positioning, motion management, and treatment delivery during radiotherapy or radiosurgery. The system delivers the appropriate dose more than twice as fast as any other linear accelerators and streamlines workflow to significantly reduce the number of steps needed to complete a treatment, according to Varian Medical Systems, makers of TrueBeam.
"TrueBeam allows us to give more precise and faster radiation than ever before," stated Hesham Gayar, M.D., medical director of radiation therapy at McLaren Cancer Institute. "Its precision--less than 1 mm--and better beam shaping saves normal tissue. Real-time imaging of target during treatment and better image guidance is like GPS positioning of the tumor. This new technology enables us to treat some types of cancer with fewer visits, thereby reducing the patient's radiation treatment course from weeks to days. The faster, more accurate and image guided treatment reduces delivery errors due to organ motion (like breathing during treatment). Our patients can expect leading-edge care with better tools to fight cancer."
The increased level of precision enables McLaren oncologists to treat moving lung tumors as if they were standing still. By synchronizing treatment with tumor position changes throughout the respiratory cycle, physicians can reduce the margin of healthy tissue affected by the treatment beam.
The TrueBeam system delivers gated RapidArc radiotherapy, which compensates for tumor motion by synchronizing imaging with dose delivery during a continuous rotation around the patient. This capability makes for an even more powerful tool for treating cancers of the thorax, such as lung and liver cancer, when tumor motion is an issue.
Other innovations built into the TrueBeam system include:
A streamlined treatment console with a modern, easy-to-use interface that consolidates controls for imaging, treatment, and motion management.
A newly-designed X-ray tube for generating high volumes of quality 3-D (cone-beam CT) images. These 3-D images can be generated in 60% less time, with a 25% reduction in X-ray dose to the patient.
A unique new non-clinical Developer Mode designed to facilitate collaboration with Oncology thought leaders interested in pioneering new treatment and imaging techniques. treatment couch that can be positioned with sub-millimeter accuracy in relation to imaging and beam delivery processes.
For information about the TrueBeam System at McLaren Cancer Institute or to schedule an appointment, call (810) 342-3800.
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