External Beam Radiation
Most patients receiving treatment for cancer will be given "external-beam" radiation, produced by a linear accelerator machine. Linear accelerators (Linacs) are currently the standard basic treatment units used to deliver high energy x-rays (ionizing radiation) to target cancer sites within lung tissue (primary site) and/or regional lymph nodes.
There are many generations of linacs with different capabilities. State of the art units have incorporated respiratory gating systems to synchronize "beam on" or actual radiation treatment delivery with a selected window of the breathing cycle to minimize unnecessary exposure to normal lung tissue, thereby minimizing side effects. Also incorporated with the newest units is IGRT (Image guided radiation therapy). This system allows the acquisition of CAT scan images of the cancer or target to be treated on the Linac table, just before the radiation is delivered, therefore pinpointing the target with great precision and accuracy. This degree of assurance of hitting the intended target has revolutionized the treatment of early stage lung cancer in patients deemed not-fit for surgery using SBRT (Stereotactic body radiation therapy) as well as other extra-cranial sites.
Click a link to learn more about side effects or the techniques of external beam radiation.
There are many generations of linacs with different capabilities. State of the art units have incorporated respiratory gating systems to synchronize "beam on" or actual radiation treatment delivery with a selected window of the breathing cycle to minimize unnecessary exposure to normal lung tissue, thereby minimizing side effects. Also incorporated with the newest units is IGRT (Image guided radiation therapy). This system allows the acquisition of CAT scan images of the cancer or target to be treated on the Linac table, just before the radiation is delivered, therefore pinpointing the target with great precision and accuracy. This degree of assurance of hitting the intended target has revolutionized the treatment of early stage lung cancer in patients deemed not-fit for surgery using SBRT (Stereotactic body radiation therapy) as well as other extra-cranial sites.
Click a link to learn more about side effects or the techniques of external beam radiation.