RBWH welcomes two Australia-first radiation systems
The Cancer Care team were excited to welcome the second of two Accuray Radixact systems to the department.
The RBWH Cancer Care team is excited to welcome two Australia-first radiation treatment systems to their unit, the Accuray Radixact Units.
The Accuray Radixact Units use a sophisticated method to shape radiation treatment to a patient’s unique requirements, using CT scan images to precisely position the radiation to ensure it doesn’t affect other areas of the body.
The systems include new technology which can account for some motion of tumours during treatment deliver and includes dedicated software to design each patient’s care to their specific requirements.
The units will predominantly be used to treat patients with head and neck cancers, which are by nature a complex treatment area due to the closely located organs that require protection from radiation. They will also be used to treat other patients who require sophisticated shaping of their treatment, or require treatment to large areas such as the central nervous system.
Members of the Radiation Oncology team have undertaken specialty training to equip them with the skills to use the technology to its full capabilities.
Metro North Executive Director Cancer Care Associate Professor Dr Glen Kennedy said more than 450 patients per year will receive treatment on the units.
“The arrival of the Accuray Radixact Units demonstrates RBWH’s commitment to remaining at the forefront of cancer treatment in Australia,” Associate Professor Dr Glen Kennedy said.
“The revolutionary systems are more time efficient than the previous technology, which means more patients can receive the care they need each day.
“The improved quality of imaging on the system enables better consideration of anatomical changes that can occur during the patient’s course of treatment, while the cutting-edge treatment planning software has improved functionality to enable a more streamlined treatment process for both patients and clinicians.”
Sharren Holliday, 52-year-old RBWH Radiation Therapy patient, was one of the first Queenslanders to receive treatment on the Accuray Radixact system.
“I was diagnosed with cancer in 2018 and underwent successful treatment at the time. Unfortunately, at my recent five-year check-up it was identified that my cancer had returned, this time at the back of my mouth,” Sharren said.
“I’m currently undergoing a 35-day treatment plan on the new radiation treatment system at RBWH. So far, it’s all going really well, and I’ve hardly had any side effects.
“It’s wonderful to have this technology at RBWH. It’s really going to help so many patients live longer and have a better quality of life.
“The staff here are amazing too. You can really tell they care. I couldn’t ask for a better team or hospital.
“Once my treatment is over and I’m feeling better, I’m looking forward to going back to work. I work in retail and I just love it.”