RMG purchases Varian iX accelerator
New image guided linear accelerator enhances the ability to deliver precise treatments, shows significant improvements in both accuracy and patient comfort.
Varian iX linear accelerator with treatment couch - Image Courtesy of Varian Medical Systems
December 10, 2010
SAN DIEGO - Radiation Medical Group is pleased to announce the treatment of our first patient on our new, image guided linear accelerator. This new accelerator, known as a Varian iX, enables us to improve radiation therapy treatments to our patients in two significant ways:
A retractable CT scanner, known as a cone-beam CT, is attached to the gantry. This allows us to image, in three dimensions, exactly the areas that we need to treat immediately before the beam is turned on. For many sites, such as the prostate, this will be done daily prior to treatment, enhancing our ability to deliver precise treatments. For tumors that are less mobile, such as head-and-neck cancers, we will perform daily pre-treatment localization (instead of the post-treatment weekly localization that we do now) using standard x-rays, and then perform a CT scan weekly. This will allow us to more easily adjust our treatment for changes in tumor size or configuration.
Our more complex treatments will, surprisingly, be completed as quickly or more quickly than before, due to the implementation of SmartArc therapy. With SmartArc, the beam stays on as the gantry rotates around the patient, enabling us to deliver a complete IMRT treatment in 1-2 minutes! This improves both the accuracy of the treatment, as the patient has less time to move between positioning and completion of the treatment, as well as patient comfort.
At RMG, we are committed to delivering the best, most modern treatments possible. This latest device, which represents a quantum leap in speed, image guidance and targeting accuracy, furthers that commitment.