Oncology Radiotherapy Unit

For radiotherapy treatments, IMED Elche has a Lineal Accelerator and high rate Brachiteraphy.

VARIAN LINEAL ACCELERATOR

RapidArc is a new type of technology, only available in our hospital in the Alicante province. It makes radiotherapic treatments more simple an rapid in contrast with the traditional IMRT technique. It boasts of the following advantages:

Reduces treatment time. The organ movement factor diminishes, therefore, increasing patient comfort and treatment efficiency.

The treatment can be taylored to the individual needs and specification of each case, resulting in reduced side effects and enabling to direct a higher dose of radiation to the tumour. To repeat the exact position of the patient in each radiotherapy session is vital in order to ensure the efficiency of the treatment. IMED Elche lineal accelerator has IGRT (image guide system) to adjust the kilovoltage, therefore verifying the position of the area that is going to be radiated. Images can be obtained by 2D x rays, fluoroscopy or 3D cone Beam CT.

Bracthearpy allows for the administration of a high dosage of radiation to a small volumes of tissue, reducing radiation exposure to nearby organs. It can be use as a sole treatment or in conjunction with conventional radiotherapy. Advantages are:

• Minimizing radiation exposure to hospital staff.
• Reduces the time the patient has to remain static during the treatment session and therefore reducing complications such as pulmonary embolisms, decubitus ulcers, etc.
• Different external molds can be obtained to ensure the geometric accuracy of the patient position and the radiation source.
• The treatment planning and dosimetry are more accurate thanks to the BrachyVision System, which is a component of the group ARIA oncology information systems and it is integrated with ECLIPSE.
• Reduces the length of the patients’ admittance.