TrueBeam Stereotactic System
TrueBeam System
State-of-the-Art Cancer Treatment in Meadville, PA
The Yolanda G Barco Oncology Institute at Meadville Medical Center (MMC)
is dedicated to providing the highest standard of advanced cancer treatment
services. The TrueBeam Linear Accelerator from Varian Medical Systems
is one of the more advanced, sophisticated machines in the world.
The versatile TrueBeam system with its integrated advanced imaging and
robotic positioning table can be used to deliver the widest range of most
accurate and precise external beam radiotherapy for cancer treatments,
including:
- 3D Conformal Radiation Therapy (3D CRT)
- Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
- Stereotactic Body/Ablative Radiation Therapy (SBRT/SABR)
- Volume Metric Arc Therapy (VMAT)
- Respiratory Gated & Deep Inspiration Breath Hold (DIBH) Radiotherapy
The system integrated advanced imaging capabilities and robotic positioning
table allow Radiation Therapists to position patients for treatment with
millimeter accuracy, making sure the tumor is lined up precisely with
the treatment beam before the beam is turned on. A respiratory gating
system when necessary can also take into account and adjust for tumor
movement when a patient breathes.
How It Works
Prior to treatment, images of a patient's tumor and the surrounding
anatomy are generated (using MRI, CT or PET scanning), and Dosimetrists
use this information, along with sophisticated analytical software programs,
to prepare a detailed and accurate treatment plan. The treatment plan
specifies the exact dose to be delivered to the tumor, as well as how
the technology can best deliver that dose, given the three-dimensional
geometry of the target and surrounding tissues.
When the patient arrives for treatment, Radiation Therapists use the TrueBeam’s
advanced imaging capabilities to confirm the exact tumor position relative
to the radiation beam, and to make any necessary adjustments through the
robotic positioning table before treatment begins. The robotic table has
6 degrees of freedom which is designed to deliver the most advanced radiation
techniques with the highest level of accuracy and precision. Some treatments,
primarily for small early stage cancers or oligometastasis, can be accomplished
in a 5 or less sessions, most treatments require more than 5 sessions
and will be determined by your radiation oncologist at consult.
Clinic Benefits
Through precise targeting of the beam and accurate dose delivery, radiotherapy
may become more effective at treating disease while simultaneously reducing
side effects from the treatment.
The TrueBeam system integrates its advanced imaging capabilities with its
robotic table to position patient precisely. Prior to treatment, localized
imaging is acquired of the patient on the table. The images are used to
verify tumor and/or anatomy position with any necessary millimeter adjustments
made through the robotic position couch immediately before the radiation
beam is turned on. This care applied to treatment accuracy means maximizing
the dose to the tumor, and minimizing the dose to surrounding healthy
tissue. The respiratory gating system when necessary automatically turns
the beam off and on to compensate for breathing motion during treatment.
With respiratory gating, the beam is turned on only when the tumor is
within a known location. This keeps the radiation beam focused on the
tumor, and further protects normal healthy tissues.
The TrueBeam system and its accessories can shape a beam very precisely,
with millimeter accuracy. In addition to the precision of its beam, the
TrueBeam offers the highest dose rates available, to deliver a potent
punch of radiation in a short amount of time. This combination of precision
and power allows the TrueBeam to reduce both treatment times and side effects.
A Whole-Person Approach
At the heart of the whole-person approach to health and wellness, the Yolanda
G. Barco Oncology Institute provides both coordinated counseling and nutrition
consultations as well as stress reduction opportunities in the form of
art and music recreation therapy.
Also available are services that promote "whole body healing”—including
massage therapy, nutritional counseling, pain management and support groups.
Doctors say these lifestyle, behavior, diet, and overall wellness programs
will help patients be more proactive in their health and recovery. Learn
more about our Meadville hospital and cancer treatment center when you
call or visit today.