State-of-the-art Linear Accelerators

Like most technology, the technology to deliver radiation safely and effectively continues to evolve and improve. Today’s linear accelerators, the machines that produce high-powered x-rays for the treatment of cancer, are extremely complex. A linear accelerator produces x-ray beams of different strengths or energies.

As a result, the radiation oncologist has the flexibility to design a highly specific treatment plan for each patient’s unique situation. Linear accelerators also have the ability to shape the radiation beam to conform to the shape of the cancer while excluding normal healthy organs from the path of the radiation.

The beam shaping device, known as the multi-leaf collimator, is integral the radiation therapy technique, Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT).