Arc Therapy
Arc therapy, also known as volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), is an advanced form of radiation therapy used to treat cancer. It involves delivering radiation in a continuous arc around the patient, providing precise and efficient targeting of tumors.
Procedure In arc therapy, the radiation machine rotates around the patient in a 360-degree arc while delivering radiation. This technique allows for the simultaneous adjustment of the radiation beam’s intensity and shape, ensuring that the prescribed dose is precisely delivered to the tumor while sparing surrounding healthy tissue.
Advantages Arc therapy offers several benefits, including:
- Precision: It provides highly accurate dose delivery to the tumor, which minimizes radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.
- Efficiency: The continuous rotation and modulation of the radiation beam reduce treatment times compared to traditional methods.
- Flexibility: It allows for complex treatment plans and can accommodate tumors in various locations and shapes.
Applications
Arc therapy is commonly used for treating various cancers, including those in the prostate, breast, lung, and brain. It is particularly effective for tumors that are irregularly shaped or located near critical structures.
Outcome
Patients typically experience shorter treatment sessions and potentially fewer side effects due to the precise nature of the therapy. The effectiveness of arc therapy depends on the cancer’s type, stage, and location, as well as the accuracy of the treatment planning and delivery.