Technology

At UT Southwestern Medical Center, we use state-of-the-art machines to deliver radiation, including intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT). Our goal is to deliver the best possible treatment while keeping our patients as comfortable as possible.

In addition, we are one of the leading facilities in the world for the treatment of tumors using stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SAbR)/stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). Our stereotactic treatment technologies include Gamma Knife, which is used exclusively for cranial tumors, CyberKnife, TrueBeam, and VersaHD – some of the most high-tech equipment available in the U.S.

With the help of computer-aided treatment planning, each machine can deliver a high dose of radiation more precisely to a tumor, thereby sparing surrounding healthy tissue. Other advanced technologies such as VMAT, Align RT, ExacTrac, and onboard imaging are selectively used to optimize the accuracy and speed of tumor targeting.

Specialists are available in pediatric care, partial breast irradiation, brachytherapy, total skin electron beam therapy, total body irradiation, radioimmunotherapy, and re-treatment of previous radiation patients.

With the 2021 expansion of our building, we introduce adaptive radiation therapy and the unique technology it brings.

Accuray CyberKnife M6

UT Southwestern was one of the first facilities in the nation to use Accuray’s CyberKnife when it was introduced in the 1990s. We now offer the latest generation, the CyberKnife M6, which has a robotic couch and offers real-time patient tracking and motion correction capabilities.

The CyberKnife uses a linear accelerator mounted on a robotic arm to focus beams of radiation at a tumor from multiple directions. Historically, the CyberKnife 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 treat children.

Benefits of the CyberKnife include:

• The only robotic radiosurgery system offering highly precise, nonsurgical treatment for tumors and lesions anywhere in the body through real-time tumor tracking and motion management. Because of this, patients are able to receive treatment with the maximum dose while minimizing healthy tissue exposure.
• With its patient-focused design, the CyberKnife offers soothing environmental elements while patients lie comfortably and breathe normally.

Elekta Gamma Knife Icon – Precise Cranial Radiosurgery

UT Southwestern is home to the sixth and latest generation of the Gamma Knife: the Icon, which offers novel frameless treatments as well as traditional frame-based treatments. Schedule an appointment or learn more about Gamma Knife.

Linear Accelerators 

Varian TrueBeams and VitalBeams

Our TrueBeam and VitalBeam linear accelerators (also known as “linacs”) are versatile radiation therapy machines that can treat cancers throughout the body using advanced methods such as image guidance, radiosurgery, intensity-modulated radiotherapy, stereotactic body radiotherapy, and RapidArc beam delivery.

Their benefits include:

• Combining respiratory gating, real-time tracking, imaging, and high-dose rate treatment delivery to treat tumors with advanced speed and accuracy