Clinton, MO. – (Feb. 8, 2023) – At the heart of every radiation oncology program in the world is a sophisticated medical device called a linear accelerator or LINAC. The Bourland Radiation Oncology Center at Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare features one of the most advanced medical linear accelerators available today — the Varian Medical Systems TrueBeam.
This TrueBeam system provides the state of the art in high precision, image-guided stereotactic radiosurgery and radiotherapy to treat tumors in virtually all parts of the body.
Linear accelerators send a guided beam of electrons or x-rays through the body and into cancer tumors. Directed by an array of advanced imaging devices and specialized software, the TrueBeam system delivers precisely measured energy to the exact dimensions and location of each tumor. In this way, diseased cells are eliminated while the surrounding healthy tissue is protected.
The system is equipped with a treatment table allowing almost infinite adjustment. This enables a higher degree of accuracy by allowing the table to move in all directions to align the treatment target.
A motion management interface (MMI) enables respiratory gating, a technique that tracks a patient’s normal respiratory cycle and adjusts the radiation beam as needed during treatment.
The TrueBeam system also contains an entire suite of Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) imaging systems. This capability, combined with intelligent tools such as RapidArc® radiotherapy, will enable GVMH to offer a wide range of radiation treatment options for cancer patients.
The linear accelerator suite also includes a unique Skylite™ in-ceiling video wall to help relax patients with calming videos and images during radiation treatments.
“Radiation oncology is a vital part of modern cancer management plans,” said Race Kastl, Oncology Director. “One of the benefits of our TrueBeam radiotherapy system is that it can help patients to heal in fewer sessions, which lowers the risk of side effects.”
In addition to state-of-the-art technology, GVMH has a team of nurse navigators, medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists and other specialists. Together, they provide a unique, compassionate program of care during every stage of treatment — and beyond.
