Cancer cells "evaporate" thanks to standard radiotherapy techniques down to millimeters

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by doctors working at Oncology Center, Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.

Only a few years after its inception, SBRT has become the first choice of oncologists, even when treating metastatic tumors because of its ability to "evaporate" the tumor. thoroughly, minimizing side effects. Vinmec is one of the first hospitals in Vietnam that has applied this super standard radiotherapy technology to effectively treat many types of cancer.

1. “Blacklist” of SBRT

First known in Sweden since 1951 for the purpose of treating brain tumors, then improved in the US, Japan and Europe to apply the treatment of body cancer, SBRT is currently being treated with localized body radiotherapy. making great strides. Today, SBRT is known as a high-tech radiotherapy technology that is accurate to the millimeter.
The speciality of SBRT lies in the integration of dose adjustment technology, high-speed beam technique, firmly immobilizing the patient with specialized equipment for precise radiation therapy. As a result, SBRT can deliver a high dose of radiation 5-10 times when it reaches the tumor, and at the same time reduce the dose quickly when it comes into contact with healthy tissue. In addition, SBRT can give radiation therapy according to the movement of tumor and body part.
SBRT radiation therapy offers a superior ability to destroy tumors but does not cause pain for the patient and the radiation time is only 7-10 days, not several weeks like conventional radiation and helps the patient recover faster.

The cancer types "beaten" by this method are increasing: Primary lung cancer and lung metastases; Pancreatic, bile duct, primary and metastatic liver, kidney, prostate and pelvic cancers, sarcomas, metastatic cancer of the spine. For conventional radiotherapy, the success rate after 2 years is only 30-40%, but with SBRT radiation, the 2 year survival rate is up to 80-90%. In particular, some studies show that the effectiveness of SBRT radiation therapy for early stage lung cancer increases up to 200% compared to traditional radiation therapy, and patients do not have radiation pneumonia - a common side effect. in routine lung radiotherapy. That's thanks to the SBRT's special ability to track body movements.
Although SBRT has many advantages and high efficiency, currently in Vietnam, there are not many hospitals that have widely applied it. The reason is that this super-standard method of radiation therapy can only be performed on modern accelerators with high investment costs. In addition, when SBRT radiation therapy is required, the hospital must be equipped with a synchronous modern imaging system such as 4D CT, PET/CT, MRI... to accurately locate the tumor and the area to be treated. , even if the tumor moves with the breathing cycle. This cannot be done by any hospital. In addition to synchronous equipment, the hospital must also have qualified and experienced human resources to evaluate and prescribe the correct SBRT for the right disease, the right dose, and closely follow the radiation therapy plan for the patient to be effective.
Vinmec Health System is one of the first hospitals in Vietnam that has invested in the most modern accelerators in Southeast Asia of Varian (USA) such as TrueBeam Radiation Therapy System at Vinmec Central Park Hospital. (HCMC) and Clinax IX at Vinmec Times City Hospital (Hanoi). Many cancer cases have been successfully treated at Vinmec with SBRT radiation therapy, stabilizing health and significantly improving quality of life.

2. SBRT – Radiation Therapy of the Future

Currently, prestigious cancer organizations in the world such as European, Asian and American Society of Radiation Oncology (ASCO, ASTRO, ESTRO) recognize that SBRT can replace large-sized cancer surgery. less than 5cm in size. Even SBRT is forecasted to become popular and available in most radiation treatment centers in the next few years.
Studies from the US, Japan and Europe show that SBRT can replace surgery for early stage lung cancer or embolization (TACE) in liver cancer, and at the same time stimulate the body to increase the response to cancer. immunotherapy. The tumor is removed but the patient does not have to bear the surgical risk, SBRT is considered suitable especially for the elderly, weak or at high risk for surgery.
Cancer is increasing in Vietnam, so the need to have access to advanced cancer screening and treatment methods is more and more urgent. In that context, Vinmec has continuously updated new treatment methods so that cancer patients in Vietnam can access effective anti-cancer weapons. Modern radiotherapy machines and a team of qualified doctors are the prerequisites for Vinmec to successfully develop high-tech radiotherapy methods SBRT, VMAT, IMRT, SRS...
At the same time, with the support of The University of Pennsylvania (USA), Vinmec is building a Center for Cardiology and Oncology that develops comprehensively in terms of expertise, scientific research, human resources and operation according to the world's highest standards applied in the US. With multimodal cancer treatment, while keeping up to date with advanced treatment methods, Vinmec gradually approaches success equivalent to developed countries in the region in cancer treatment.
To register for examination and treatment at Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital, customers can call Hotline: 0283 6221 166 or register online HERE.
SEE ALSO:
The “revolution” in radiation oncology The role of IMRT and SBRT in liver cancer Treatment of brain metastases with brain radiosurgery SRS The process of radiotherapy takes place out how?