Rapid Arc radiotherapy is a fast, precise form of radiation treatment using advanced technology from Varian Medical Systems. The new Rapid Arc treatment is two to eight times faster than conventional forms of radiotherapy. This precision can make a significant difference in the patient's outcome. This treatment, which takes about 90 seconds, is delivered significantly faster than traditional radiation therapy, where treatment time can last 20 minutes or longer. Reducing this time means treatment can be delivered before the patient becomes uncomfortable and potentially moves. Rapid Arc makes it possible for us deliver highly-precise intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) treatments quickly. When combined with On-Board Imaging (OBI) and Cone Beam CAT Scan (CBCT) the ability to visualize tumors in three dimensions improves on accuracy and efficiency of patient treatments. These treatments target tumors while sparing the surrounding healthy tissues. Because they're fast, Rapid Arc treatments are also easier on the patient. It's hard for people to hold still for long periods of time. By delivering doses more quickly, we can simultaneously improve the quality of care and make our patients more comfortable.
Rapid Arc radiotherapy treatment is delivered with just a single rotation of the treatment machine around the patient. During that rotation, the treatment beam is continually shaped and reshaped according to the size, contour and position of the tumor within the body. The beam shaping is accomplished using a beam-shaping device called a multi-leaf collimator (MLC). This device has 120 computer-controlled mechanical "leaves" or "fingers" that move to create apertures of different shapes and sizes. During a Rapid Arc treatment, specialized software algorithms vary three parameters simultaneously: the speed of rotation around the patient, the shape of the MLC aperture, and the dose delivery rate.
This technology is not limited to treating only prostate cancer. This can be used for most any form of cancer, including that of the brain, lung and liver. As this technology is continually improved, there will be substantial gains in the fight against cancer.
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