A Patient’s Guide to TrueBeam LINAC: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) | Metro Cancer Hospital

By in Truebeam Linac

Dec 6, 2022

A Patient’s Guide to TrueBeam LINAC: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Different treatment options are available for cancer patients. Radiosurgery, such as that performed using the TrueBeam LINAC system, is a highly recommended treatment. Compared to earlier technologies like cobalt teletherapy, TrueBeam LINAC offers superior accuracy and effectiveness in delivering radiation therapy.

Before diving into the TrueBeam FAQs, let’s first briefly discuss radiosurgery.

Radiosurgery is a cutting-edge technique used for treating cancer. In this technique, high-intensity radiation is used to destroy cancer cells. Doctors try to use radiation energy with great care to protect healthy cells from destruction. When high-intensity beams are applied to the cancer cells, they fail to regrow and ultimately die.

Now, let us get to the most frequently asked questions regarding this excellent tech in the medical field.

Q. What is TrueBeam LINAC? 

TrueBeam LINAC (Linear accelerator) represents an advanced form of radiosurgery known for its rapid and precise treatment delivery, promoting quicker recovery times. TrueBeam utilizes synchronized radiation beams with an imaging system, aiding doctors in clear tumor visualization. This non-invasive method does not require surgical incisions.

TrueBeam treatment enables customized treatment planning for various cancer types, including breast, prostate, lung, pancreas, and liver cancers.

 Q. What are the advantages of TrueBeam LINAC treatment?

• It is a fast and precise form of treatment and takes only a few minutes a day. (around 75% less time than usual radiation therapy machines).
• The main aim of the treatment is to strike the targeted cancerous cells only and administer the lowest dose to the healthy tissue and damage the cancerous cells only. 
• It can be used for treating nearly every size of the tumour and the recovery time of the patient is also very less.
• The LINAC system also controls the delivery of the beam of radiation during respiration so that the patient can breathe comfortably. 
• It is designed to take care of the convenience of the patient. Music is also played continuously during the therapy to ease the patient and provide maximum comfort. 
• Doctors can use fewer X-ray doses as compared to the other treatment methods, leading to minimal side effects, if any.

Q. How are radiations delivered using the TrueBeam system? 

The TrueBeam system utilizes a medical Linear Accelerator (LINAC) to generate and deliver radiation. The patient lies on a table, and the LINAC rotates around them at various angles. The physician, operating the machine from a separate control area, maintains continuous contact with the patient throughout the procedure.

Q. What are the side effects of TrueBeam radiation treatment?

Typically, TrueBeam LINAC radiation therapy has minimal side effects. These may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, swelling at the treatment site or lymph nodes, and mild skin irritation or burning sensation.. 

Q. What are the steps of TrueBeam LINAC radiation therapy? 

The steps involved in TrueBeam radiation therapy include the following:

Planning of the Treatment: When a person is diagnosed with cancer, the doctor will generate 3-D images of the tumour and the area around it. The images are used by the radiation oncologist who works with your doctor to plan a customised treatment, including the specific dose & the schedule of the radiation therapy required. 

Preparation of the Treatment: Special preparation is required for the patients who are about to be treated using this method. Sometimes, custom-made devices are created to maintain the patient’s position during treatment. The oncologist marks the treatment area on the patient’s body to align the machine precisely.

Treatment: The beam of radiation is delivered to a specific area based on the treatment plan. The total dose is divided into smaller fractions that are administered daily over a specified period. The radiation beam is delivered from various angles as the machine rotates 360 degrees around the patient. The system also helps to monitor the breathing pattern of the patient during the treatment. Each treatment session takes only a few minutes, thanks to the smarter and more advanced technology of the TrueBeam LINAC.

Q. What is the duration of the TrueBeam treatment? 

The treatment duration varies based on factors such as cancer severity and the affected body part. Typically, patients receive daily small doses of radiation therapy over several weeks. Compared to other systems, TrueBeam LINAC treatments are significantly shorter in duration.

Q. How costly is TrueBeam radiation treatment? 

The cost of TrueBeam radiation treatment varies depending on the treatment duration. Longer treatments incur higher costs. Many insurance companies provide coverage for TrueBeam radiation therapy; it’s advisable to consult your insurer for detailed information. As a rough estimate, TrueBeam radiotherapy typically costs between 4 to 5 lakhs in cities like Noida, New Delhi, Bangalore, Jaipur, Mumbai, Lucknow, etc.

Q. What kind of radiation does TrueBeam LINAC use?

TrueBeam LINAC utilizes cone-beam CT technology, which employs 25% less X-ray for enhanced precision and accuracy.

Q. What is the cost of Varian TrueBeam LINAC?

The cost of the Varian TrueBeam LINAC machine varies based on its technology and features. However, typically, its price ranges from approximately USD 750,000 to USD 1.5 million.

Q. Does TrueBeam Radiotherapy expose patients to Radioactive substances?

If you are worried about exposure to radioactive substances while in therapy, you should not be. This advanced system is like a flashlight that switches on the radioactive beam, points controlled radiation precisely to the tumour, and then switches off. The time of every session is less than 2 minutes, which makes it safer for the patients. 

Before going for the treatment, you must always discuss different treatment options with your doctor to know if TrueBeam is a suitable option for your case.