EDGE treatment systems have been specially developed for procedures requiring very precise radiation dose delivery, such as stereotactic radiosurgery or radiosurgery.
This innovative technology uses high-definition beam shaping (extra-fine 2.5 mm MLC leaf width projected at the isocentre), high-dose rates (up to 2,400 MU/minute), automated 6D pose estimation and precision within tenths of a millimetre at the isocentre. As a result, complex treatment plans can be performed automatically in just a few minutes (HyperArc) with improved treatment tolerability for patients.
Iterative reconstruction using incredibly detailed 2D KV and 3D CBCT images guarantees optimal tumour targeting before and during treatment. Radiation as well as medical imaging can be synchronised to one or several specific phases of the breathing cycle for patients with mobile tumours that move significantly during breathing. This respiratory gating technique reduces the safety margins required and minimises the amount of healthy tissue exposed to the beams.
Stereotactic radiosurgery is used to sterilise cancer cells in small tumours located in various organs, including the brain, lungs, liver and bones. A small number of sessions and a high dose delivered to a defined target volume are required to perform this type of radiation. It provides ablative therapy to totally destroy the tumour while reducing damage to the surrounding healthy tissue and minimising the side effects.
Radiosurgery is performed in one session for intracranial tumours in areas difficult to access with conventional surgery. It is also used to provide non-invasive treatment for both malignant tumours, including brain metastases, and benign tumours, such as neurinomas, meningiomas and arteriovenous malformations.
Stereotactic radiosurgery is for:
- patients who are too frail for surgery or refuse surgery
- oligometastatic patients who have metastases in a limited number of sites with a controlled primary tumour
- relapsed patients whose tumours have come back in the radiated area
The patient is continuously monitored by an optical system that stops treatment if movement is detected during the session. This ensures that the radiation is used safely and patients can wear open-face masks, helping to reduce claustrophobia, anxiety and discomfort.
We have successfully passed two independent audits by the Imaging and Radiation Oncology Core (IROC) to approve these advanced procedures in our department.