Innovative radiation therapy: New linear accelerator in Hanover!

Innovative radiation therapy: New linear accelerator in Hanover!

The treatment of cancer requires precise and innovative approaches to maximize patient well-being. This is particularly true for radiation therapy, which is one of the three main forms of treatment alongside surgical removal of tumors and drug therapy. The Hannover Medical School (MHH) has now introduced a new linear accelerator with state-of-the-art technology to improve patient monitoring during treatment and protect healthy tissue. How mhh.de reports, careful planning and monitoring plays a crucial role in accurately targeting tumors.

The new linear accelerator from MHH uses an innovative surface scanner that records the smallest movements of the patient's surface in real time. This makes it possible to release the radiation only when the target is positioned with millimeter precision. This reduces the need for control images with X-rays, which significantly reduces the radiation exposure to healthy tissue. The new positioning and monitoring system enables continuous monitoring without additional radiation exposure for patients.

Protect healthy tissue and irradiate it in a targeted manner

A particularly important aspect of the new technology is the possibility of targeted radiation in specific breathing positions. This is particularly important for young patients with left-sided breast cancer as it helps protect the heart. With so-called breath-controlled radiation (breath gating), radiation is only irradiated during maximum inhalation, which is made possible by a supportive breath-holding technique. Patients can control their breathing and receive visual feedback via a monitor.

This technology is currently only available at the MHH in the Hanover region. Individual radiation planning requires the expertise of an interdisciplinary team of medical physics experts, doctors and medical technologists who work with the new linear accelerator every day. In addition, there are already considerations about making this advanced technology usable for patients with lung cancer in the future.

How the linear accelerator works

The way the linear accelerator works is designed to use high-energy electrons and photon radiation. Loud strahltherapien-hamburg.de Electrons are accelerated in a high vacuum tube to almost the speed of light. A current-carrying wire sends out these electrons, which are then redirected in the desired direction by a strong magnet at one end of the tube. This means that both superficial and deep tumors in the body can be specifically treated and destroyed.

Photon radiation, which is required for deeper tissues, occurs when the electrons hit a water-cooled metal (target). The electrons are abruptly slowed down, which leads to the creation of ultra-hard X-rays. This technology enables the irradiation field to be shaped precisely, ensuring the greatest possible precision.

A second linear accelerator is to be equipped with the same technology next year, which will significantly expand the range of treatments at the MHH.