Innovative Cancer Care in Leuven: Transforming Treatment with VMAT and RAD Methods

Leuven: A patient was successfully treated for cancer using the new combined RAD method with VMAT, which enhances radiation delivery speed and efficacy while minimizing side effects and protecting healthy organs. Further studies will identify optimal candidates for this technique.

RapidArc Dynamic (RAD) is a new and advanced method for radiation therapy. It combines two techniques to treat tumors precisely while protecting healthy tissue. One technique, Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), adjusts the strength of the radiation beams and targets the tumor from different angles. However, this can take a long time because each beam needs careful setup. RAD aims to make the process faster and more efficient.

What are the benefits of RAD and VMAT in cancer treatment for patients?

RAD is a new way to treat cancer that combines accurate targeting of tumors with faster delivery of radiation. Instead of using fixed angles like older methods, RAD uses a technique called VMAT, which sends radiation continuously while the machine moves around the patient. It has been said that this means the treatment can be quicker and more effective. With RAD, patients can have shorter visits, better control over their tumors, and less harm to healthy tissue, making it a great option for complex cancer cases

VMAT is a new cancer treatment method that moves the radiation source around the patient while adjusting the dose, making it faster and more effective. Recently, for the first time, a patient was treated with the combined RAD method, which helps prepare radiation quickly and reduces treatment time. This method aims to lower side effects, such as skin reactions and changes in breast shape while protecting healthy organs like the heart and lungs. The treatment went well, and the patient is recovering, with plans to study further who can benefit most from this technique.