What is TrueBeam?
TrueBeam is an advanced radiotherapy treatment delivery system (linear accelerator or ‘linac’) developed by Varian Medical Systems (part of Siemens Healthineers). It’s used to treat many different types of cancer with high precision.
The system uses highly targeted radiation beams that directly target tumours while limiting exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. The system combines high-speed treatment delivery with advanced imaging, allowing clinicians to see the tumour and surrounding tissues clearly and confirm its position before treatment begins.
TrueBeam can deliver several modern radiotherapy techniques, including image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT), intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), stereotactic radiotherapy (SRS), and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). These techniques allow our teams to treat tumours with exceptional accuracy, even in areas of the body affected by natural movement, such as breathing.
Because the system can deliver radiation efficiently, treatment sessions are often shorter than with older radiotherapy machines.
The benefits
Highly precise treatment - Advanced imaging and beam-shaping technology allow clinicians to target tumours accurately while protecting nearby healthy tissue.
Shorter treatment times - High-speed delivery can reduce the time you spend receiving treatment.
Advanced imaging - Imaging before and during treatment helps ensure radiation is delivered exactly where it’s needed.
Versatile treatment options - TrueBeam can deliver a range of modern radiotherapy techniques for many different cancers.
Non-invasive treatment - Radiotherapy is delivered without surgery, incisions, or anaesthesia.
How it works
TrueBeam uses a medical linear accelerator (linac) to generate high-energy radiation beams that aim to eliminate cancer cells.
During treatment, the machine rotates around you and delivers radiation from multiple angles. This approach allows doctors and clinical teams to focus radiation on the tumour while reducing the dose received by surrounding healthy tissue.
Before each treatment session, imaging technology helps the care team confirm the tumour’s exact location. This ensures the radiation is delivered precisely according to the treatment plan.
The system can also adjust the shape and intensity of the radiation beam as it moves, allowing clinicians to treat complex tumour shapes with high accuracy.
What to expect
Your care team will carefully plan your treatment before your first session by using detailed imaging scans to map the tumour and determine how the radiation will be delivered. You may be positioned on the bed using custom masks, moulds or cushions, to ensure you remain still and comfortable throughout your treatment.
During treatment, you’ll lie comfortably on the treatment couch while the machine moves around you. The room will be dimly lit so the clinical team can align your body with the machine using laser alignment lights. The treatment itself is painless, and the machine may make soft buzzing sounds, similar to medical imaging equipment.
Each session typically lasts only a few minutes, although the full appointment may take a little longer while your care team positions you and confirms the treatment setup. Most people can return to their usual activities after treatment, depending on their overall treatment plan and how they’re feeling.
More information
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