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 can be used to deliver the widest range of
external beam radiotherapy for cancer treatments, including:
- 3D conformal radiotherapy Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
- Stereotactic radiosurgery (SBRT) Volume Metric Arc Therapy (VMAT)
Advanced imaging capabilities built into the system 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 takes into account the tumor
movement that can occur as 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
clinicians use this information, along with sophisticated analytical software
programs, to prepare a detailed 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 system to confirm the exact tumor position relative to
the radiation beam, and to make any needed adjustments before treatment
begins on the new robotic table. The table has 6 degrees of freedom which
is designed to deliver advanced radiation techniques with a high level
of accuracy and reproducibility. Some treatments, primarily for small
lesions and metastases, can be accomplished in a single session, while
other treatments require multiple sessions.
Clinic Benefits
Through more precise targeting of the beam, radiotherapy may become more
effective at treating disease while simultaneously reducing side effects
of the treatment. Due to the increased accuracy and power, smaller lesions
can be treated more easily and effectively.
The TrueBeam system incorporates the ability to position the patient exactly,
using images of the tumor and surrounding anatomy taken just prior to
each treatment. The images are used to verify tumor position 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 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.