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With our expansion in May 2021, we added adaptive therapy treatment machines that combine real-time, high-resolution imaging and modern radiation techniques to deliver ultra-precise treatment that can quickly be adapted to changes in patients’ anatomy and tumor size. Using adaptive therapy, we’re exploring an innovative, more personalized way of delivering radiation treatments for our patients that adapts to the shape and position of a tumor. This concept, called personalized ultrafractionated adaptive radiotherapy (PULSAR™), will be evaluated in a series of clinical trials at UT Southwestern over the next several years. It’s important to note that the machines and treatments we use today are highly capable and have very high success rates,” Dr. Timmerman says. “Adaptive therapy and advances such as PULSAR will complement that care and give us even more weapons.
Robert Timmerman, M.D., Professor and Chair
The largest collection in the world within a single facility, our adaptive imaging/treatment machines include:
Delivered by the RefleXion X1 unit, SCINTIX biology-guided radiotherapy (BgRT) is an option for patients with primary and metastatic bone and lung cancers. The RefleXion uses real-time, continuously updated biologic data from the tumor throughout the entire treatment session to determine where to deliver radiotherapy.
The Ethos linac combines artificial intelligence with adaptive therapy to account for day-to-day changes in the size, and location of tumors to give the best possible treatment during each treatment session.
The Unity linac combines magnetic resonance imaging with a linear accelerator giving superior visualization of the soft tissue, which is especially useful in a pre-operative setting.
Shahed Badiyan, M.D., Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology and Director of Clinical Adaptive Therapy, and Margaret Kozak, M.D., Assistant Professor of Radiation Oncology, explain what adaptive radiotherapy is and how it personalizes cancer treatment by adjusting radiation plans in real time. Using advanced machines like Ethos and Unity, this approach targets tumors more precisely, reduces side effects, and improves outcomes.
The Halycon system delivers precise volumetric arc therapy (VMAT) or image-guided, intensity-modulated radiation therapy up to four times faster than standard technology using 2D or cone-beam CT images for guidance.
The CyberKnife uses a linear accelerator mounted on a robotic arm to focus beams of radiation at a tumor from multiple directions while offering real-time patient tracking and motion correction capabilities. Historically, it was used to treat a small niche of primary and metastatic brain and spine tumors, but due to enhancements in its accuracy we’ve expanded its use to other areas of the body, including tumors of the head and neck, base of skull, breast, lung, pancreas, liver, and prostate. Because CyberKnife radiation delivery is so precise and the risk for toxicity is so minimal, we’re also able to use it to treat children.
The Gamma Knife utilizes beams of highly focused gamma-rays to treat brain disorders, and benign and malignant tumors in the brain and base of skull. Learn more about the Gamma Knife.
GammaPod is the first SBRT system optimized for treating breast cancer. By using principles of stereotactic radiotherapy to deliver higher doses in one to five treatment fractions, GammaPod can both reduce treatment time and potentially lower the toxicity of treatment. UT Southwestern is the first center in Texas and only the second center in the world to offer GammaPod as a treatment option. Learn more about the GammaPod.
The Flexitron afterloader delivers high-dose-rate (HDR) radiation treatment used during brachytherapy. Learn about brachytherapy.
Used in a shielded operating room, the VariSource iX system is an automated high-dose-rate (HDR) after-loading system used during brachytherapy. Learn about brachytherapy.
Combines respiratory gating (uses computer software to guide delivery of radiation as you breathe), real-time tracking, imaging, and high-dose rate treatment delivery to treat tumors with advanced speed and accuracy, the TrueBeam and VitalBeam linear accelerators are versatile radiation therapy machines that can treat cancers throughout the body.
Our Elekta linacs deliver advanced stereotactic treatments as well as conventional radiotherapy throughout the body, including the brain. With high treatment accuracy and high-dose rates, the Elekta linac allows for shorter delivery times, additional treatment options, and advanced motion management.
We also offer onsite CT, MRI and PET imaging for simulation and planning.
