The Varian TrueBeam® radiotherapy system is an exciting breakthrough in radiation therapy that allows physicians to treat hard-to-reach tumors with unparalleled precision and with minimal impact to surrounding healthy tissues. Tampa General Hospital’s Cancer Institute is pleased to offer this innovative treatment, along with other advanced, world-class cancer therapies to our patients.
Cancers Treated with TrueBeam Radiotherapy
TrueBeam radiotherapy improves treatment options for patients with cancer in areas that may be difficult to reach through surgery. It can be used to treat several types of cancer, including:
- Brain cancer
- Pituitary cancer
- Head and neck cancer
- Spinal tumors
- Lung cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Liver cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Anal cancer
- Gynecologic cancer
- Skin cancers
- Bladder cancer
In many cases, TrueBeam is used in conjunction with other approaches such as immunotherapy or chemotherapy. Some benign (noncancerous) tumors that are considered inoperable may also be treated with TrueBeam technology.
TrueBeam Radiotherapy Procedure Details
Traditional radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation beams that are emitted from a machine outside the patient’s body (known as a linear accelerator) to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors. TrueBeam works in the same way, but its system incorporates real-time imaging tools and rotating components to deliver a prescribed radiation dosage to a tumor from multiple angles and with enhanced accuracy and speed. The system also utilizes respiratory gating technology to synchronize radiation beam delivery with a patient’s breathing pattern, as inhaling and exhaling can slightly move a tumor’s position and impact the effectiveness of radiation treatment.
TrueBeam can be used in combination with other advanced treatment techniques including image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) and surface-guided radiation therapy (SGRT) to ensure patients receive the treatment that is best suited for their specific clinical circumstances.
What to Expect from the TrueBeam Radiotherapy Procedure
A TrueBeam radiation treatment session usually takes between five and 10 minutes to complete, which is a few minutes less than standard approaches. No incisions are necessary and the treatment process is painless. The superior accuracy of the TrueBeam radiotherapy system also reduces radiation exposure to healthy tissues surrounding a tumor, which means less risk for patients.
Still, any treatment comes with the potential for side effects. It’s possible for patients to experience nausea, diarrhea or swelling around the area of the tumor following treatment.
Become a TGH Patient
Home to globally renowned cancer surgeons and specialists, TGH’s Cancer Institute is recognized by U.S. News & World Report in the nation's Top 10% of Hospitals for cancer care for 2023-24. To schedule an appointment with TGH’s Cancer Institute, call (813) 844-7585 or find a cancer specialist using our convenient Find a Doctor tool.