RapidArc™ Radiotherapy Technology
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Patient Benefits
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RapidArc is delivered with a medical linear accelerator, which is a large
machine that generates high-powered X-rays and rotates around you as you lie
on a treatment couch, delivering the beams from many angles. With RapidArc,
the entire treatment is completed with a single rotation of the machine.
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RapidArc is a new approach to delivering image-guided, intensity-modulated
radiation therapy (IG-IMRT). Image guidance improves tumor targeting, and
IMRT shapes the radiation dose so that it conforms closely to the
three-dimensional shape of the tumor. That means more radiation is delivered
to the tumor and less to surrounding healthy tissues.
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The treatments are fast. That makes it easier on you- you don't have to
hold still for long, and you're in and out in a matter of minutes each day.
With RapidArc, IMRT treatments that typically require at least 10 minutes
can be completed in less than 2 minutes.
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A RapidArc radiotherapy system incorporates technology that makes it
possible for your treatment team to position you for treatment with
sub-millimeter accuracy. An On-Board Imager kV imaging system mounted on
the treatment machine provides high-resolution X-ray images of the targeted
area just before each daily treatment.
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Overview
RapidArc radiotherapy technology from Varian Medical Systems is a new
approach to image-guided, intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IG-IMRT)
that delivers precise treatments in shorter times than conventional IMRT.
RapidArc represents a major medical advance and is more comfortable for
patients because they spend less time in their daily treatments. A fast,
precise RapidArc treatment takes less than two minutes. Patients can be in
and out of treatment quickly and return to their daily routine.
RapidArc rotates 360 degrees around the patient, enabling the very small
beams with varying intensity to be aimed at the tumor from multiple angles.
Unlike helical IMRT treatments or other forms of radiation therapy, with
RapidArc the radiation treatment being delivered to the patient can be
modulated continuously throughout treatment. This means that higher doses of
radiation are delivered to hit the tumor harder, and less radiation is
delivered to surrounding healthy tissue.
RapidArc treatments are delivered using either a Clinac or a Trilogy
linear accelerator from Varian Medical Systems outfitted with imaging
capabilities. The RapidArc imaging capabilities let the clinician see the
location of the tumor in three dimensions before treatment. If the cancer
has moved due to physical changes, treatment can be adjusted so the patient
receives a precise treatment. This treatment platform is the most widely
used and reliable platform available. Over 75 percent of the leading U.S.
hospitals and clinics use Varian technology.*
How It Works
RapidArc radiotherapy technology from Varian Medical Systems delivers
treatments using either a Clinac or a Trilogy® linear accelerator,
outfitted with an On-Board Imager kV imaging system for using images to
guide patient placement and treatment delivery. The linear accelerator
rotates around the patient to deliver radiation treatments from nearly any
angle. During a RapidArc treatment, radiation is shaped and reshaped as it
is delivered continuously from virtually every angle in a 360-degree
revolution around the patient.
RapidArc Planning
Like other forms of radiation therapy, RapidArc treatments are planned using
sophisticated computer programs that analyze diagnostic image data and
calculate the best way of delivering the radiation dose to minimize impact
on healthy tissues for each patient.
RapidArc Imaging
Immediately prior to treatment, the exact location, size, and shape of the
patient's tumor is visually observed through a simple two-minute imaging
procedure using the machine's On-Board Imager.
RapidArc Positioning
After imaging is completed, the images are reviewed by the therapist and the
patient's position can be adjusted so that an accurate treatment can be
delivered. The patient does not need to move off the treatment couch for
this process- all adjustments are made automatically by the treatment couch.
RapidArc Treatment
A RapidArc radiotherapy treatment is delivered quickly- in less than two
minutes and with just one turn of the machine around the patient. RapidArc
shapes and modulates a highly focused treatment beam so that it targets the
tumor precisely, sparing surrounding healthy tissues. It treats the entire
tumor with pinpoint accuracy and is easier on the patient, who does not have
to hold still for long periods of time.
During a RapidArc treatment, the treatment beam is continually shaped by a
multileaf collimator (MLC), a device with 120 computer-controlled mechanical
"eaves" or "fingers" that move to create apertures of different shapes and
sizes.
Physician Benefits
RapidArc radiotherapy technology from Varian Medical Systems is a major
advance in cancer treatment that improves dose conformity while
significantly shortening treatment times for some types of cancer.
RapidArc Is Simple
RapidArc treatment dramatically reduces the amount of time spent in each
treatment. Your patients face less discomfort and disruption, which helps
lower the stress of treatment and enables them to quickly resume their daily
activities and lifestyle.
RapidArc Is Fast
RapidArc treatments can be delivered in less than two minutes, which is two
to eight times faster than older forms of intensity-modulated radiation
therapy (IMRT) and faster than helical IMRT.
RapidArc Delivers
RapidArc delivers precise treatments to match the tumor size and location,
sparing the surrounding healthy tissue.
RapidArc Is Precise
RapidArc uses a unique Varian algorithm that provides exceptional treatment
delivery control, resulting in improved dose conformity for greater normal
tissue sparing and tumor control.
RapidArc Is Efficient
RapidArc combines unprecedented speed with remarkable precision. During
treatment, the single gantry rotation speeds treatment delivery, so
peripheral tissues receive a lower overall dose compared to conventional
IMRT treatments.
*1. Data based on the 2006 edition of "America's Best Hospitals" from U.S.
News & World Report.
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