Linear Accelerator (LINAC)

Linear Accelerator (LINAC) is the most frequently used modality for external beam radiation treatment of cancer patients. LINAC can also be used in stereotactic radiosurgery, not unlike procedures utilizing a gamma knife on targets within the brain. LINAC delivers a uniform dose of high-energy X-rays that destroy cancer cells while sparing surrounding healthy tissue.

LINAC can be utilized for Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), an advanced method of high-precision radiotherapy that uses computer-controlled X-ray accelerators to deliver precise radiation doses to a malignant tumor (or isolated portions thereof).

Damage to normal tissue is minimized by use of IMRT.  With IMRT, elevated radiation doses can safely be administered directly to tumors with fewer side effects as opposed to conventional radiotherapy techniques. 

Presently IMRT is being used to treat liver and brain tumors, gynecologic cancer, as well as of the prostate, head and neck, breast, thyroid, lung, lymphomas, sarcomas, and pediatric malignancies.