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.
TrueBeam System
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 the TrueBeam System 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 5 or fewer sessions, most treatments require more than 5 sessions and will be determined by your radiation oncologist at the 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.