New Radiation Technology Offers Cancer Patients a Faster Recovery

This week, Stanford Cancer Center of Stanford, California, will become the fifth treatment center in the world to offer patients the TrueBeam. TrueBeam is a machine that delivers radiation at an incredibly fast dose rate, much faster than conventional machines. A faster dose rates means shorter treatment times for patients.

The TrueBeam can provide treatment for any type of cancer. However, there are certain types of cancers to which the machine holds an advantage with, such as pancreatic cancer. Its technology also provides for improved treatment of tumors that are otherwise difficult to treat because of sensitive surrounding tissue.

The TrueBeam exerts radiation with advanced accuracy, which it checks every 10 milliseconds. Its system captures images 60 percent faster and reduces X-ray exposure by 25 percent. According to Stanford’s Chair of Radion Oncology, Richard T. Hoppe, MD, TrueBeam is the most advanced technology available for radiosurgery.