Linear Accelerator
The first medical linear accelerator in the Western Hemisphere was
developed at Stanford, and the first patient was treated in 1956.
With continued technological advances, linear accelerators maintain
their status as one of the most advanced radiation technologies
available today. The machines produce and deliver radiation with
precision that was previously unavailable—accurate to the millimeter.
Used in the most advanced radiation treatments
Linear accelerators at the Stanford are able to interface with
computers to create advanced, targeted radiation therapy treatments
such as intensity
modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and intraoperative
radiation therapy (IORT).
These cutting-edge treatments are changing the landscape of cancer
treatment, making radiation therapy an option for many more patients
than ever before. What about this technology makes radiation therapy
possible now?
What happens during treatment?
At Stanford, technicians use digitized imaging studies to precisely
map out the tumor and provide very targeted radiation therapy.
Patients are then assigned a digital file that holds their individual
tumor target and radiation therapy information.
Because the linear accelerators are so accurate, it is important
that a patient remain very still during treatment, which usually lasts
about 10 minutes.
Computer-ready treatment
Linear accelerators at the Stanford Cancer Center are able to
interface with computers to create advanced, targeted radiation
therapy treatments such as intensity
modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and intraoperative
radiation therapy (IORT).
These cutting-edge treatments are changing the landscape of cancer
treatment, making radiation therapy an option for many more patients
than ever before.
Benefits of linear accelerator
Personalization
At the Cancer Center, technicians use your digitized imaging studies
to precisely map out the tumor to provide very targeted radiation
therapy. You are then assigned a digital file that holds your
individual tumor target and radiation therapy information.
Comfort
At Stanford we go to great lengths to ensure that patients are
comfortable during treatment. Patients are given a full-size,
personalized mold to help stabilize the body during treatment, and a
special face mask to stabilize the face comfortably. In addition,
technicians play music in the room to help patients relax.