Radixact: The Next Generation Tomotherapy Machine
Radixact – the next generation Tomotherapy machine is an advanced radiation delivery platform that delivers intensity-modulated radiation therapy supported by seamless image guidance. This linear accelerator rotates 360 degrees around the patient, and the radiation beams can be conformed to the shape of the tumour that is being treated.
Dubbed as the latest generation external beam radiotherapy delivery system, Radixact is designed to treat both benign and malignant tumours with superior precision and positively impact the clinical outcomes.
Radixact is used to treat the cancers of breasts, central nervous system, prostate gland and gastrointestinal tract along with gynaecological cancers.
How Does Radixact Work?
Radixact radiation therapy platform first scans the treatment area and then delivers the radiation slice by slice to achieve great conformity to the shape of the tumour while reducing the damage to the surrounding tissues.
The platform facilitates both rotational and non-rotational radiation therapy through intensity-modulated (IMRT) and non-intensity-modulated (3D conformal) radiation therapy. Through in-built CT detectors, the platform delivers adaptive image-guided radiation therapy.
This platform allows radiologists to perform CT imaging before each treatment. The CT results help in verifying the position of the tumour and adjusting the patient’s position accordingly; this helps in targeting the tumour precisely. The system is also integrated with motion tracking and real-time adaptation technology, which track the movement of the target and accordingly realign the radiation beams.
During the session, the radiation beams are directed from multiple angles around the patient, who is made to slide through the machine at a controlled speed. The radiation delivered this way helps specialists achieve a very targeted, personalised and precise radiation delivery.
Advantages of Radixact Treatment Delivery System
Radixact is made capable of delivering conformal radiotherapy for complex tumours. Following are some of its key advantages:
- The inbuilt CT scan imaging system helps in treating patients precisely without damaging the surrounding internal organs or healthy tissues.
- Radixact reduces the risk of many short-term and long-term side effects through its enhanced precision and flexibility.
- This technology helps in delivering radiation at a faster rate, and therefore, it is easy for patients to fit this treatment into their family or work schedule.
- Radixact can be used to treat multiple cancer types. As a non-invasive procedure, it supports faster recovery and improved quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Each treatment session may take approximately 10 to 20 minutes.
Potential side effects of Radixact radiotherapy treatment are fatigue, nausea and skin irritation. In some cases, patients may experience pain, alterations in normal body functions, poor quality of life, etc. If patients are experiencing severe side effects, they should immediately get in touch with their treating doctor for medical assistance.
No, external radiation therapy does not cause pain. However, in some patients, pain can appear as a side effect after the treatment. It usually takes 2 to 8 weeks for this pain to wear off. If the pain lasts longer, please meet your treatment doctor immediately.
Some people can work full-time during their treatment; however, some may experience severe fatigue that may stop them from working full-time. In such cases, you can talk to your employer to alter your work arrangements.
Patients will also have no problem driving after the treatment. However, some patients experience tiredness and uneasiness after the treatment. In such cases, a family member or friend can be brought along.
This entirely depends on your cancer type, its stage and your overall health. Some patients are completely fine within 3 to 4 weeks, while a few patients take up to 4 months to recover.
If you are willing to travel, you must talk to your doctor first. He/she will let you know whether or not it is feasible. If your condition allows you to travel, your doctor may share some precautionary measures that are to be followed by you throughout your journey.