RapidArc® Radiotherapy

RapidArc® radiotherapy is a technique designed to improve the speed and precision of radiation therapy.

A common treatment for cancer affecting the urinary system is radiation therapy. It involves the use of high-energy waves or beams that are concentrated directly on tumor cells.

Radiation therapy is often recommended for early-stage cancer.
It may also be used when surgery to remove a tumor isn’t possible.

Overview of RapidArc® Radiotherapy

Advanced form of image-guided radiation therapy

Uses intensity-modulated radiation delivery

Targets cancerous tissues with precision

A newer form of image-guided intensity-modulated radiation therapy, a common way of applying radiation to cancerous tissues, is RapidArc® radiotherapy.

What is RapidArc® Radiotherapy?

With RapidArc®, a urologist uses a computer-generated image to accurately administer radiation to the affected area.

A special machine called a medical linear accelerator rotates around the patient.

Radiation is delivered quickly to the tumor in a matter of minutes.

The radiation may be delivered with varying degrees of intensity, and the beam of energy is adjusted to match the shape of the tumor. This allows greater control over how radiation is applied.

How RapidArc® Radiotherapy Is Done

CT or MRI imaging may be performed first.

Simulation sessions may help localize tumors.

Treatment sessions are scheduled after testing.

Sessions may occur five to seven days weekly.

RapidArc® treatment starts with testing and an evaluation of the patient to determine which tissues are affected so the radiation can be correctly administered with the medical linear accelerator.

Radiation Delivery Process

Radiation is delivered during a 360-degree rotation.

Colored ink marks the treatment area.

Immobilization devices help prevent movement.

Equipment setup follows patient imaging results.

After it’s determined how to specifically set up the machine, radiation is delivered at a 360-degree revolution for a few minutes. Colored ink is also used to mark the area that needs to be treated to further increase precision. Immobilization devices may be used when the patient is on the table to prevent movement. It usually takes some time to set up the machine used for RapidArc® according to patient specifications following the initial image testing.

Potential Benefits for Patients

Faster and More Precise Treatment

The rapid delivery of radiation that’s possible with RapidArc® radiotherapy makes it easier for the patient to hold still, which is necessary to avoid unintentionally delivering radiation to healthy tissues. The beam can be administered at just about any angle, and the delivery of radiation is two to eight times faster than traditional radiation therapy.

Comfort During Treatment

Lower doses of radiation can be applied with each session. Since the machine rotates around the patient, there’s no need for repositioning with each application. Because sessions are shorter, patients also tend to be more comfortable.

Side Effects and Treatment Planning

As with any form of radiation therapy, the number of RapidArc® treatments will vary based on several factors, such as the type of cancer affecting the urinary system, whether or not it has spread, and a patient’s reaction to the first few sessions. Because lower doses of radiation are administered for shorter durations, patients may experience fewer side effects commonly associated with radiation therapy, such as fatigue and skin irritation.