Sahyadri Hospitals introduces TomoTherapy Radixact X9 radiotherapy treatment

Sahyadri Hospitals announced the introduction of a TomoTherapy Radixact X9 system integrated with the advanced VitalHold technology within its facility. This addition represents the latest advancement in radiation therapy, offering precision and improved patient outcomes, particularly for cancers where motion management is critical. 

Dr Sanjay Hunugundmath, Lead Radiation Oncologist at Sahyadri Hospitals said that the system offers real-time adaptation based on imaging, ensuring the radiation dose is accurately delivered to the target while sparing healthy tissues. This is particularly beneficial for tumours that move with respiration, such as those in the lung and abdominal regions. 

The Radixact X9 is now further empowered by VitalHold, a technology that offers benefits for managing motion through Deep Inspiration Breath Hold (DIBH) techniques. This feature is crucial for treating cancers in the thoracic region, such as lung and breast cancers, where precise targeting is essential. DIBH technique in this system stabilises the position of tumours and surrounding tissues, ensuring that radiation is accurately delivered to the target while minimising exposure to other healthy tissues. 

The VitalHold feature is the Auto Beam Hold, which automatically pauses radiation delivery if the patient moves out of the tolerance limit during treatment. This ensures enhanced safety and precision. This technology incorporates clarity Imaging Technology, providing high-definition images with improved soft tissue contrast. This allows for more precise identification and localisation of tumours, enhancing treatment accuracy. Unlike traditional imaging methods, the system uses helical kVCT imaging, producing continuous high-resolution images as the gantry rotates around the patient. This ensures rapid image acquisition, reducing the potential for patient movement and image artefacts.

The breath-hold technique is user-friendly, with visual cues in the treatment room to guide patients. The entire room turns green when the patient holds their breath correctly, simplifying the process and reducing stress. The technology is suitable for treating a wide range of cancers, including thoracic cancers (lung and breast), abdominal cancers (liver, oesophagal), prostate cancer and also pediatric tumours, and total body irradiation (TBI).