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Truebeam Stx Technology

TrueBeam STx is a state-of-the-art radiotherapy system developed by Varian Medical Systems for cancer treatment. This advanced technology is designed to deliver radiation with high precision to tumors in any part of the body. Its primary goal is to target cancerous cells with millimeter accuracy while maximally protecting the surrounding healthy tissues and organs. The system dynamically synchronizes features like imaging, patient positioning, and motion management to optimize treatment processes, offering patients a shorter and more comfortable treatment experience.

What is TrueBeam STx?

TrueBeam STx is an advanced “intelligent beam” technology for cancer treatment that works like a GPS, precisely guiding radiation to target cancer cells while minimizing impact on surrounding healthy tissues. It functions as an integrated platform, seamlessly combining state-of-the-art imaging, precise beam delivery, and dynamic motion management. This comprehensive image-guided radiotherapy approach ensures that treatment is highly accurate and efficient, even for complex or moving tumors, enhancing patient safety and effectiveness.

What are the features of TrueBeam STx?

TrueBeam STx is equipped with advanced features designed to deliver highly precise and effective cancer treatment, offering a new level of accuracy and patient comfort.

Key features include:

  • Pinpoint Accuracy: The system delivers radiation with millimetric precision, enabling “pinpoint” strikes that target cancerous cells while sparing surrounding healthy tissues.
  • Advanced Image Guidance (Cone-beam CT): Before and during the procedure, it provides detailed 3D images of the tumor. This allows clinicians to check the tumor’s exact location in real time and ensure the radiation is perfectly aimed.
  • Dynamic Motion Management: TrueBeam STx excels in motion management, a critical feature for tumors in areas like the lungs or abdomen. It actively tracks and adapts to tumor movement caused by breathing and other bodily functions.
  • Respiratory Gating: This specialized function tracks the tumor’s movement even while the patient breathes naturally. The system intelligently delivers radiation only when the tumor is precisely in the target zone, increasing both safety and effectiveness.
  • High Dose Rate Delivery: The system can deliver powerful radiation doses very quickly. This significantly shortens treatment sessions, which enhances patient comfort and minimizes the opportunity for the tumor to move during radiation delivery.

In which diseases can it be used?

TrueBeam STx is a highly versatile technology used for cancer treatment, capable of targeting tumors located in nearly any part of the body. Its high-precision capabilities make it particularly effective for treating a wide range of complex tumors, including:

  • Brain tumors
  • Lung tumors
  • Breast tumors
  • Prostate tumors
  • Liver tumors
  • Pancreas tumors
  • Spinal tumors

The system’s broad applicability provides advanced options for personalized cancer treatment plans.

Which method is used for TrueBeam STx?

TrueBeam STx operates on the principle of “targeted radiation.” This method is designed to deliver a high, curative dose of radiation directly to the tumor with exceptional accuracy. Its primary goal is to maximize the impact on cancerous cells while meticulously protecting surrounding healthy organs and tissues from exposure. This highly focused approach helps minimize side effects and enhances the overall effectiveness of the treatment.

How is it applied?

The TrueBeam STx treatment consists of comfortable and simple steps for the patient. The process begins with detailed planning using simulation and imaging scans (CT, MRI). At this stage, a three-dimensional map of the tumor and surrounding healthy tissues is created to determine the radiation delivery areas with millimeter precision.

On the day of treatment, the patient simply needs to lie comfortably on the device’s table. The fully computer-controlled and automated system rotates around the patient, delivering the planned radiation beams directly to the target. Meanwhile, integrated imaging technology verifies the tumor’s position in real time, and adjustments are made for movements like breathing to ensure the target is hit with complete accuracy. This painless procedure is completed in short sessions, allowing the person to quickly return to their daily life.

How long does the application/procedure take?

TrueBeam STx significantly shortens treatment times compared to conventional methods. A standard radiotherapy session that would normally take 10-15 minutes can often be completed in less than 5 minutes. Even complex radiosurgery procedures, which might last 1-2 hours with older technologies, are typically finished in just 5-20 minutes. This speed not only enhances patient comfort and reduces anxiety but also minimizes the risk of tumor movement during radiation delivery, thereby increasing the precision and effectiveness of the treatment.

Is the TrueBeam STx procedure painful?

The TrueBeam STx treatment is a completely painless procedure. Just like getting an X-ray, you will not feel any pain or discomfort during the treatment. Since this method is non-invasive, there is no need for anesthesia. You will remain awake throughout the treatment, and the only thing you will sense is the device moving quietly around you.

Which patients is it applied to?

TrueBeam STx can be applied to nearly all cancer patients who require radiotherapy. It is an especially important alternative for patients who are not suitable candidates for surgery, those with tumors in high-risk anatomical areas where surgical intervention is challenging, and elderly patients. For these groups, it provides a highly effective and non-invasive treatment option, avoiding the complexities and risks associated with surgical procedures.

Who is not suitable for TrueBeam STx application?

There is no strict, general rule about who is unsuitable for TrueBeam STx application. Suitability for treatment varies depending on many factors, such as the patient’s overall health, the type, size, and location of the tumor. Therefore, the decision is always made by a radiation oncology specialist following a detailed evaluation. The specialist physician considers all these factors to determine the most appropriate treatment method for the patient.

What are the advantages?

TrueBeam STx provides significant advantages for both the patient and the treatment outcome:

  • Precision: It delivers radiation with sub-millimeter accuracy, directly targeting cancerous cells while protecting surrounding healthy tissues. This precision helps minimize side effects.
  • Speed: High-dose-rate delivery shortens treatment sessions to just a few minutes. This improves patient comfort and reduces the risk of tumor movement during the procedure, increasing accuracy.
  • Versatility: The platform supports various advanced techniques, including Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), and Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). This allows clinicians to create a personalized and effective treatment plan on a single system.
  • Comfort: The procedure is painless and non-invasive, requiring no anesthesia. The shorter session times reduce patient anxiety and allow for a quicker return to daily activities.

Are there any side effects of using TrueBeam STx?

Thanks to its precise, targeted technology, TrueBeam STx significantly reduces side effects compared to traditional radiotherapy. Potential side effects are localized to the treated area rather than affecting the whole body, and they can vary from person to person. The most common temporary effects include mild skin redness in the treated area and fatigue. These effects are generally mild and disappear after the treatment is completed.

What should be considered after the application?

After a TrueBeam STx treatment, most patients can return to their daily routines almost immediately. However, it is crucial to follow the specific recommendations provided by your doctor, which may include special instructions for skincare in the treated area or advice on resting. Regular follow-up appointments are also essential to monitor your progress and ensure the treatment’s long-term effectiveness.