Treatment Technology

TrueBeam®

Radiation Therapy

Our radiation oncology center provides superior treatment and compassionate care to patients diagnosed with cancer. In addition to continuing education and ongoing support, we offer innovative treatments close to home.

The TrueBeam is a state-of-the-art machine known as a linear accelerator, used to deliver image-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) as well as stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT).

It delivers precise radiation treatment to specific areas of the body with extreme accuracy, utilizing computer-generated images used for guidance (IGRT) and targeted radiation delivery. The TrueBeam is used for a variety of cancer treatments, including brain, lung, breast, and prostate cancers.

Patients receiving treatment with the TrueBeam will be cared for at the Deaconess Chancellor Center for Oncology.

What happens during TrueBeam treatment?

Each ECC patient has their own personalized treatment plan created in coordination with their doctor, depending on their individual needs. However, generally speaking, TrueBeam radiation therapy follows a similar process to other radiotherapy treatments.

TrueBeam uses a linear accelerator, a machine that delivers radiation from outside of the body. What sets TrueBeam apart is its real-time imaging tools and rotating parts, which allow it to send radiation beams from different angles in order to better target the tumor.

Depending on your care plan, your TrueBeam treatment may be used in combination with other treatments like image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) or surface-guided radiation therapy (SGRT).

One session usually takes between five and ten minutes, which is much less time than many standard radiation therapies. There are no incisions, and it should be painless.

TrueBeam allows us to accurately pinpoint tumors using a combination of advanced imaging and radiotherapy. The machine’s design makes it particularly good at targeting difficult-to-reach tumors, especially if they move between treatments, as can happen with tumors affected by your breathing.

In fact, the TrueBeam system uses increments of less than a millimeter, bringing together imaging, patient positioning, motion management, beam shaping, and dose delivery. It also checks accuracy every ten milliseconds throughout the treatment and adjusts as necessary so that less healthy tissue receives radiation.

The strength and precision of the radiation may allow for fewer and shorter treatments overall. A treatment that previous took 10 to 30 minutes could take closer to five minutes using TrueBeam.

TrueBeam radiation therapy also uses respiratory gating technology to synchronize radiation delivery with your breathing pattern. This ensures that your treatment hits the right location even if the tumor moves slightly when you inhale and exhale, which is common for certain types of tumors.

What are some side effects of TrueBeam radiation therapy?

Not everyone has side effects from radiation treatment, and the treatment itself is not usually painful. However, if you experience any of these side effects, you should let your care team know as soon as possible:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Swelling at the treatment site

There may also be some things you can do in your day-to-day life to address these issues, depending on their severity. For example, if you experience diarrhea or nausea, you should make sure you’re staying hydrated and eating enough protein, low-fat dairy, fruits, and vegetables.

Regardless, be sure to be in regular contact with your doctor to get the care and guidance you need. We’re here to help!

Our Cancer Care Technologies

We treat patients using proven technologies in radiation oncology, including TrueBeam®, Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT), RapidArc®, Brachytherapy, and Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT). Click below to learn about each of our cancer care technologies.