TrueBeam Radiotherapy for Advanced Cancer Treatment
Introduction
TrueBeam is an advanced linear accelerator and radiosurgery treatment system that allows doctors to target hard-to-reach tumors.
The machine uses cutting-edge imaging technology – called ExacTrac – to capture images of your tumor, even when it moves during your natural breathing patterns. It uses these images to confirm that the radiation beams are always targeting the tumor.
Because tumors aren’t perfectly round, TrueBeam can alter the shape of the radiation beam to match the shape of your tumor. This may decrease the amount of radiation to healthy tissue that surrounds the tumor.
Procedures
- TrueBeam can perform many radiation treatments
- Depending on your type and stage of cancer, he or she may suggest one of the following treatments on the TrueBeam:
- Image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT)
- Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT)
- RapidArc and gated RapidArc radiotherapy
- Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), including:
- Fractionated stereotactic radiation therapy
- Stereotactic body radiation therapy
Indications
- Brain cancer (benign and malignant)
- Head and neck cancer
- Liver cancer
- Lung cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Spinal cancer
- Meningiomas
- Neurofibromas
- Schwannomas
- Vascular malformations
- Many recurrent and inoperable tumors
- Also treat cancer that has spread, but still remains confined to one organ (oligometastasis)
Advantages
- More accurate radiation targeting and tracking of tumors, especially in hard-to-reach areas
- Improved effectiveness of radiation treatment
- Shorter treatment times
- Fewer complications and side effects
- More treatment options for people who aren’t eligible for traditional surgery
