What Patients Should Know about TrueBeam
TrueBeam is a new method of delivering radiation therapy which decreases treatment times and minimizes side effects, thanks to its powerful doses and precisely gated beam. Read on to learn about TrueBeam before your treatment at South Florida Radiation Oncology:
Frequency of Treatment Sessions
Certain types of tumors can be treated in one TrueBeam session, in a procedure known as radiosurgery. However, large and complex tumors may require several daily sessions over a period of one to two weeks in order to thoroughly treat the cancer—a process called radiotherapy.
Advantages of TrueBeam
Unlike surgery, TrueBeam radiotherapy is a fast and painless outpatient procedure. It is also preferable to other radiation therapy techniques, as each session can be completed in minutes due to the strength of its doses. In addition, respiratory gating with the RapidArc technology allows patients to breathe comfortably during treatment sessions, even when the tumor is located near or in the lungs.
Risks of Radiotherapy
As with all radiation therapy, TrueBeam may involve both short-term and long-term side effects. Short-term effects include skin irritation or hair loss in the region that receives radiation, fatigue, and nausea. Long-term effects are less common and may take years to manifest; these include restricted range of motion, intestinal damage, and fertility issues.
Indications
Radiotherapy is used to reduce or eliminate cancerous tumors, particularly in cases where surgery cannot feasibly reach the tumor site. At South Florida Radiation Oncology, TrueBeam radiotherapy treats tumors precariously positioned in the head, neck, thorax, and abdomen.
For more information about the TrueBeam system or other forms of radiotherapy, visit South Florida Radiation Oncology online or call us at (888) 823-9162. We offer a variety of cancer treatments administered by experienced teams of radiotherapy professionals. Schedule an appointment today to speak with a radiation oncologist.
- Loading comments...
