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Onslow Radiation Oncology
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Tech­nol­o­gy

Onslow Radiation Oncology provides radiation oncology services that are patient-centered, innovative, and inclusive. At the heart of Onslow Radiation Oncology is a Varian TrueBeam Linear Accelerator (“LINAC”) which provides multiple varieties of therapy, precisely directed to the area where it’s needed. This device allows us to treat far more types of cancers, giving us the ability to serve — and save — more people than ever. This would include 3-D planning, IMRT (Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy), IGRT (Image Guided Radiation Therapy), SBRT (Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy), and SRS (Stereotactic Radiosurgery). The amazing accuracy of the LINAC allows doctors to precisely target and treat cancerous cells, while reducing exposure to surrounding healthy cells. This promises patients fewer side effects and faster healing. The LINAC treatments are also fast and convenient, allowing many patients to fit treatments in during a work break.

In addition to our Varian TrueBeam Linear Accelerator, we also have a high-speed CT simulator and image fusion capabilities, for the best treatment planning and delivery. Through the use of specialized software, the physician has expanded treatment abilities that include adaptive therapy, multi-modality image fusion, and deformable registration. We are able to incorporate image studies to include PET/CT or MRI from any facility to best locate and treat tumors. Access to PET/CT scanning technology, which offers the most comprehensive level of cancer detection and treatment management.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING TRUEBEAM TREATMENT, STEP BY STEP

During this process, 3-D images are generated of your tumor, which enables your doctor to know its size and shape. With this information, your doctor can best determine the dose of radiation you’ll need and how to deliver it most effectively.

After the size, shape and volume of the tumor are determined, your treatment team uses sophisticated software to create a three-dimensional image of the area of your tumor. They will then develop a detailed treatment plan that specifies the amount of radiation the tumor should receive, from what angles, and a schedule for treatment.

A radiation therapist will guide you into the treatment room and help position you on the treatment table. Just prior to treatment, images will be taken so that the therapist can verify the tumor’s exact location. The therapist then leaves the room, and your treatment begins. The machine that creates the beam will rotate around you. Closed-circuit television and two-way audio enable the therapist to stay in constant contact with the patient. The process will most likely take only a few minutes, but sometimes the first treatment takes a little longer because some additional setup is required.

After your treatment, you’ll see your doctor for follow-up care. During this time, he or she will monitor your progress. This is an opportunity to ask your doctor any questions, raise concerns about any side effects or inquire about your treatments and the status of your health.

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This information is intended as a general guide to TrueBeam. It does not replace a full discussion with your doctor and healthcare team. You should know that radiotherapy, including TrueBeam radiotherapy, is not appropriate for all types of cancer. Although your actual treatment times may vary, typical radiotherapy treatments are delivered once a day for a series of weeks. Typical radiosurgery treatments (SRS and SBRT) are delivered in only one to five treatments.

Serious side effects that may occur are treatment-site specific and can include diarrhea, nausea, swelling at the treatment site, lymphedema, pneumonitis (inflammation of lung tissue), and secondary cancer. Talk to your doctor about what you can expect from your treatment and to find out if treatment with the TrueBeam radiotherapy system is right for you.

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For more information about TrueBeam, visit www.varian.com/truebeam