Linear accelerator

A linear electron accelerator is a medical device used in radiation therapy to deliver high-energy radiation to cancerous tumors. It works by accelerating electrons to very high speeds using electric and magnetic fields, and then directing those electrons to the area of the body where the tumor is located.

The process of using a linear accelerator in radiation therapy generally involves the following steps:

1. Treatment planning: Before radiation therapy begins, detailed treatment planning is performed using medical imaging, such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to determine the exact location, shape and size of the tumor.
2. Simulation: During treatment simulation, the patient is positioned on the treatment table so that the tumor is in the correct position to receive radiation. Immobilization devices can be used to help keep the patient in the same position during each treatment session.
3. Dose calculation: Using data obtained during treatment planning and simulation, the radiation dose needed to deliver to the tumor while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues is calculated.
4. Treatment delivery: During each treatment session, the patient lies on the treatment table and the linear accelerator is positioned so that the electron beams are precisely aimed at the tumor. The high-energy electrons penetrate the tumor, damaging the cancer cells and hindering their ability to grow and divide.
5. Monitoring and follow-up: During treatment, the patient is carefully monitored to ensure that he or she receives the planned radiation dose and to minimize side effects. After treatment, regular follow-up checks are performed to evaluate the tumor’s response and the patient’s overall health.

The use of a linear electron accelerator in radiation therapy allows precise radiation doses to be delivered to cancerous tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues, helping to improve treatment outcomes and reduce side effects.