Versa HD Linear Accelerator – Advanced Radiotherapy Platform
Versa HD is the unique and advanced radiotherapy platform that is designed to facilitate advanced radiation therapy procedures, such as stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). These radiotherapy modalities demand superior precision in terms of tumour targeting and sparing surrounding critical structures and tissues.
Versa HD comes with 3D and 4D imaging feature, which helps the radiologists visualise very small tumours and their movements. This feature largely helps in precisely targeting the tumour and positively impacting the overall treatment outcome.
Through its high-end features, such as advanced beam-shaping, superior imaging and capability to deliver high-dose-rate radiation, Versa HD is especially helpful in the management of tumours located in critical areas.
HCG is one of the very few hospitals in India to have the Versa HD radiation platform.
How Does Versa HD Work?
Versa HD allows radiologists to treat a wide range of tumours throughout the body with extreme accuracy and efficacy. Through its flexibility and versatility, Versa HD aids radiologists in achieving positive clinical outcomes even in the case of the most complex cancer cases.
Radiation therapy on Versa HD begins with comprehensive imaging tests in order to precisely locate the tumour and study if it changes its position. If changes are observed, the system’s 6DOF couch is moved to realign the patient’s position for precise delivery of the radiation beams. Once the patient is in the right position, high dose radiation is delivered to the tumour while limiting the damage to the surrounding healthy tissues.
The treatment duration may vary from 10 to 20 minutes.
This radiation therapy platform facilitates following radiotherapy modalities:
- The machine can deliver very high precision radiation treatments in the form of:
- Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT/Rotational IMRT)
- Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT)
- Image-Guided Radiotherapy (IGRT)
- Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT)
- Stereotactic Radiosurgery
- Stereotactic Radiotherapy
- Electron therapy
Advantages of Versa HD
- Versa HD helps specialists treat challenging cancers with submillimetre accuracy.
- Through dual registration of target(s) and critical structures, Versa HD helps radiologists protect the critical structures close to the tumour while also achieving positive outcomes.
- Versa HD can treat small and multiple targets in complex structures, namely lungs.
- Through high-dose-rate radiation delivery, Versa HD helps in reducing the overall treatment duration.
- Radiation therapy with Versa HD is a non-invasive procedure with fewer treatment-related complications, and in most cases, patients see faster recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
This depends on the type and stage of cancer you are being treated for along with the treatment plan that is recommended for you. Some may show side effects such as burning sensation, itching and redness, right away, whereas, for a few, it may take one to two weeks to start experiencing side effects.
Most of these side effects are temporary and can be easily managed. However, if they do not get better, you should immediately get in touch with your doctor.
Throughout the radiotherapy, you will need a lot of energy. So, you should avoid straining yourself. Simpler activities and exercises are fine. But it is better to avoid strenuous activities. You should also avoid planning weight loss during this period.
A few may experience loss of appetite depending on the organ being treated; however, you cannot skip eating. Throughout the treatment, you should eat healthy and stay hydrated.
For information on diet and exercising, you can consult a certified onco-dietician who can help you with the right nutritional practices for during and after treatment care.
This again depends upon the type of cancer treated. Patients with brain cancer and head and neck cancer tend to lose hair. In most cases, this hair loss is temporary, and it grows back sometime after the treatment. However, in rare cases, if very high doses of radiation are used, the hair loss may be permanent.
You can always talk to your treating doctor about the treatment-related side effects and best ways to manage them.
There is a very small chance of this treatment causing secondary malignancies. However, regular follow-ups that will be scheduled after your treatment can help us reduce this risk for you.