TrueBeam accelerator at KUCC-North, our second

The University of Kansas Cancer Center-North is expanding its leading-edge cancer care with the arrival of a Varian TrueBeam linear accelerator at its clinic in the Northland.

Designed to treat moving cancerous tumors with advanced speed and accuracy, the accelerator is a fully integrated system for image-guided radiotherapy and radiosurgery.

The University of Kansas Health System’s first Varian TrueBeam linear accelerator has been treating cancer patients since 2012 in the Richard and Annette Bloch Radiation Oncology Pavilion at the main campus.

“This innovative technology gives our medical professionals the tools to treat a variety of cancers quickly and more comfortably for the patient,” says Darrin Kistler, RT (R)(T), senior director, Radiation Services. “The acquisition of a second Varian TrueBeam linear accelerator is proof the health system has the best technology, physicians and treatments for cancer patients.”

Physicians at KUCC-North began using the Varian TrueBeam linear accelerator for patients today. It features:

• Diagnostic quality radiographs (On-board imaging) and computed tomography images (cone beam CT) for precise delivery of radiation.
• Daily imaging fused with planning radiographs to improve target alignment.
• Advanced imaging for a higher confidence factor in target delineation.
• Stereotactic radiation to allow high radiation doses to small targets over one to five days.
• RapidArc (an advanced form of intensity modulated radiation therapy) to reduce treatment times and spare body tissue.
• Calypso technology that employs implanted electromagnetic markers inside tumors or organs to give real time GPS to the target, helping detect cancer cells that move when patients breath or involuntarily move. “With the Calypso system, technicians can precisely deliver higher radiotherapy doses to pancreatic tumors without damaging surrounding healthy tissue,” says Habeeb Saleh, PhD, chief of Medical Physics.

Kistler says the clinic, at 8700 North Green Hills Road in Platte County, can treat up to 40 patients a day with the state-of-the-art accelerator.

KUCC-North was updated to accommodate the high-precision accelerator. The remodel involved a revamped vault, updated physics-specific storage areas, new lighting, cameras and all interior finishes in the room.