New generation radiation therapy in cancer: Elekta Versa
Modern technologies used in the treatment of cancer, which is among the leading causes of loss of life all over the world, increase patient comfort and treatment success day by day. Treatments that were performed in two dimensions in the past can now be performed in four dimensions by adding the time factor to the environment. Along with these technological developments, the studies carried out by the Radiation Oncology team before the patient is taken to the device are also of great importance in terms of treatment success.
Contents
What is Elekta Versa HD Signature?
What are its features?
In which diseases is it used?
How is it applied?
What is Elekta Versa HD Signature?
Modern technologies used in cancer treatment increase patient comfort and treatment success day by day. In radiation oncology, “Elekta Versa HD SIGNATURE” is used in important centers all over the world with its software and innovations in technology.
What are its features?
Targeted irradiation: With this application, it is aimed to protect healthy tissues very well while targeting only cancer cells in the body. 160 area-shaping leaves (MLC) in Versa HD SIGNATURE effectively determine the shape of the target tumor, minimizing the risk of adverse effects on healthy organs from the radiation. The lead alloy leaf structure (MLC) of the Versa HD SIGNATURE model, named “Agility”, which has 5 times less leakage dose permeability among linear accelerators, has the feature of minimizing the risk of secondary cancer formation due to leakage while protecting healthy organs with its fast movement ability. Thanks to the “Hexapod treatment table” on the system, which has robotic movement in 6 dimensions, it is possible to position the patient very precisely and to irradiate the targeted area in the most accurate way. For example, one of the most important goals when treating a breast cancer patient is to protect the lungs and heart. For this, it is possible to remove the heart from the area by using different apparatus in the treatment with the Elekta Versa device and to perform the treatment in this way.
The “High Dose Rate” mode of Elekta Versa HD SIGNATURE, which can apply all “High Dose Rate” Radiotherapy techniques effectively and safely, allows irradiation three times higher and faster than previous generation linear accelerators. While this option shortens the treatment time, it also increases the success rate.
Appropriate dose calculation with “Monte Carlo Algorithm”: Elekta Versa HD SIGNATURE device calculates dose application in treatment with “Monte Carlo Algorithm”. The “Monaco” treatment planning system, in which the “Monte Carlo” dose calculation algorithm is used, can calculate the dose distribution closest to reality compared to its counterparts. Since dose calculation and treatment planning based on not only mathematical but also radiobiological models can be made with the Monte-carlo dose calculation algorithm, the treatment dose applied to the area to be irradiated can be given accurately. While doing this, the system can also prevent damage to healthy tissues and organs. Again, with the “iViewGT Dose” software, which works integrated with this system, the accuracy and effectiveness of the dose administered to the patient can be controlled before and/or after the treatment.
Image guidance before and during treatment: Thanks to an additional software and hardware integrated into the device, the area to be treated is visualized in 3D with computed tomography (CBCT) images that can be taken either during the treatment or just before the treatment starts, and the treatment is applied to the right place. Thanks to the ABC (Acvite Breathing Coorditanor) system connected to the Versa HD SIGNATURE device, irradiation can be performed only in a certain sequence of breathing. Thus, especially in left breast tumors, the heart can be removed more from the beam area, the heart dose can be reduced or by stopping the respiratory movement, for example, in early stage lung tumors or metastases, irradiation can be made from much smaller areas during point shooting. Thus, the surrounding normal tissues are better protected. In addition, with the “Symmetry program” in the Versa HD SIGNATURE device, it is possible to follow the anatomical movements due to respiration during the treatment without placing a marker. It is also possible to irradiate with very small areas while the patient is breathing freely.
Reducing side effects: Thanks to “Clarity Autoscan”, another image-guided treatment method that can be used with Versa HD SIGNATURE, accurate irradiation can be achieved by following the organ movements that occur during the treatment with ultrasound. This system provides a high level of accuracy in prostate irradiation, which is especially affected by bowel and bladder fullness.
In which diseases is it used?
Elekta Versa can be used in the treatment of all tumors requiring radiotherapy treatment.
How is it applied?
Today, when personalized planning and treatments are used in radiotherapy, Versa HD SIGNATURE is a device that allows successful treatment results for patients thanks to the features it contains.
The patient lies on a table with 6-dimensional mobility. This robotic table feature ensures the correct positioning of the patient and allows the treatment to be given to the correct area and tumor exactly.