Modern technologies used in the treatment of cancer, which is among the leading causes of vital loss all over the world, increase patient comfort and treatment success day by day. In the past, two-dimensional treatments can now be done in four dimensions by introducing the time factor into the environment. Along with these technological developments, the studies carried out by the Radiation Oncology team before the patient is taken into the device are of great importance in terms of the success of the treatment. Memorial Health Group Radiation Oncology Department Specialists gave information about the new generation radiotherapy Elekta Versa HD Signature.
What is Elekta Versa HD SIGNATURE?
Modern technologies used in cancer treatment increase patient comfort and treatment success day by day. 'Elekta Versa HD SIGNATURE' is used in important centers all over the world with its software and innovations in technology. Services are provided with Elekta Versa HD SIGNATURE in Memorial Bahçelievler Hospital and Elekta Versa HD technology in Memorial Ankara Hospital.
WHAT ARE THE FEATURES?
Targeted irradiation: With this application, it is aimed to protect healthy tissues in a very good way 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 and minimize the risk of healthy organs being affected by the beam. The lead alloy leaf structure (MLC) of the Versa HD SIGNATURE model, which has 5 times less leakage dose permeability within the linear accelerators, has the ability to minimize the risk of secondary cancer formation due to leakage while protecting healthy organs with its rapid mobility. Thanks to the “Hexapod treatment table”, which has a robotic motion capability in 6 dimensions, the positioning of the patient can be performed very precisely, and it is possible to irradiate the targeted area accurately. For example, when treating breast cancer patients, one of the most important goals is to protect the lungs and heart. For this, it is possible to remove the heart from the area by using different apparatus in 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 radiotherapy techniques effectively and safely, allows three times higher and faster irradiation compared to the old generation linear accelerators. This option shortens the treatment time and increases the success rate.
Appropriate dose calculation with the "Monte Carlo Algorithm": The Elekta Versa HD SIGNATURE device calculates the dose application in the treatment with the "Monte Carlo Algorithm". The "Monaco" treatment planning system, using the "Monte Carlo" dose calculation algorithm, can calculate the most accurate dose distribution compared to its counterparts. With the Monte-Carlo dose calculation algorithm, dose calculation and treatment planning based on not only mathematical but radio-biological models can be made, so the treatment dose applied to the area to be irradiated can be given with high accuracy. While doing so, the system can prevent damage to healthy tissues and organs. With the Monaco treatment planning system, the accuracy and effectiveness of the dose administered to the patient can be checked with the “iViewGT Dose” software, which also works integrated with the system.
Image guidance before and during treatment: Thanks to the additional software and hardware integrated into the device, the field to be treated with the computerized tomography (CBCT) images that can be taken either during treatment or just before starting the treatment is visualized in 3 dimensions, and the treatment is applied to the right place. Thanks to the ABC (Active Breathing Coordinator) system connected to the Versa HD SIGNATURE device, it is possible to apply irradiation at only in a certain sequence of breathing. Thus, especially in the left breast tumors, the heart is removed further from the beam area, the heart dose can be lowered or irradiation can be made from much smaller areas during spot beating, for example in early stage lung tumors or metastases. Thus, the surrounding normal tissues are better protected. In addition, with the “Symmetry program” in the Versa HD SIGNATURE device, anatomical follow-up of the respiratory movement is possible during treatment without placing a marker. Irradiation to very small areas is also provided while the patient is breathing freely.
Reducing side effects: Thanks to “Clarity Autoscan”, which is another image guided treatment method and 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 especially in prostate irradiation, which is highly affected by bowel and bladder fullness.
IS IT APPLIED TO WHICH DISEASES?
Elekta Versa can be used in the treatment of all tumors that require radiotherapy treatment.
HOW IS IT APPLIED?
Nowadays, when personalized planning and treatments are being used in radiotherapy, Versa HD SIGNATURE technology stands out as a device that enables better treatment results with less side effects for patients thanks to its superior features.
The patient lies on a table with 6-dimensional motion. This robotic table feature ensures the correct positioning of the patient and allows the treatment to be given to the correct area and tumor.
Prepared by Memorial Medical Editorial Board.
5 October 2023
11 May 2021
