Nuclear Oncology

The radiation therapist brings the patient to the treatment room and places it on the treatment couch of the linear accelerator in exactly the same position used for simulation, using the same restraints. The therapist places the patient carefully guided laser alignment and the marks he did to the patient during the simulation. They often use some form of imaging before delivering the treatment to verify the accuracy of patient readiness. Some types of images that can be used include X-rays, ultrasound and cone beam CT. Then the therapist leaves the room and turns on the linear accelerator from outside. You can use from one or more directions, and beams up to several minutes for each field.

The treatment process can last from 10 to 30 minutes each day, and most time is spent placing the patient in the right position and take pictures. The duration of treatment of a patient depends on the method of administration of treatment such as IMRT and dose applied. The duration of each treatment will usually be the same from day to day.

Patients usually receive treatment once a day, five days a week for a total of two to nine weeks. The diagnosis of the patient determines the total duration of treatment. Occasionally, treatments are given twice a day.