What is MR-Linac?

MR-Linac is an MR technology used in the field of radiation oncology that provides precise imaging of tumor tissue with particular measurement and targeting.

MR-Linac Unity treatment, which is specially planned for the person, has the feature of separating tumor tissue from normal tissues. It has privileged aspects such as precision imaging technology and tissue imaging. It is a suitable treatment method, especially for tumors in the brain, neck, and abdomen and in areas where beam position is difficult such as the heart, kidney, stomach, and spinal cord.

Visual Irradiation to the Tumor

With MR-LINAC, the tumor is visualized and irradiated. It is very important to see the target during point shooting. This can only be achieved with MR, and treatments can now be done “without limits.”

When the patient lies on the MR-LINAC device, first, an MRI is taken, and the tumor is seen. Then the irradiation begins. This is done in both snapshot and video form.

What are the Advantages of MR-Linac?

  • Doctors prefer this technology to patients who need radiotherapy and can enter the MRI device.
  • It is a valuable technology for many unsuitable or doubtful patients for radiation therapy.
  • With this technology, which separates tumor tissues from blood vessels and bony structures, it is possible to see soft tissues clearly.
  • It is an ideal treatment for tumors involving organs such as the lungs or upper abdomen that move while breathing. Doctors also prefer it in the heart, stomach, kidney, brain, and spinal cord areas that are difficult to irradiate.
  • MR-Linac allows clear visualization of mobile tumors.
  • It can protect healthy tissues, blood vessels, and organs.
  • MR-Linac allows more effective doses of radiation to be given to the tumor.
  • The method is a technology that can reduce the number of sessions of patients depending on the dose level to be preferred.
  • It is possible to understand whether the patient’s tumor is mobile or not. In this way, tumor motility can be monitored and followed when the patient holds or exhales their breath.

In Which Areas Is MR-Linac Effective?

Today, 6/7 of many cancer types have soft tissue anatomy. This feature makes it difficult to visualize the tumor area and reduces the effectiveness of the treatment. MR Linac can give successful results in many types of metastatic cancer, including intra-abdominal, lung, prostate, pancreatic, and liver tumors.

  • Pancreatic cancers that are inoperable or partially suitable for surgery
  • Pelvic tumors
  • Colon cancer
  • Uterine and cervical cancers
  • Rectal cancers unsuitable for surgery
  • Adrenal gland cancers and metastases
  • Gastric cancer
  • Lung and liver cancers
  • Prostate cancer
  • Vaginal cancer
  • Abdominal masses
  • Soft tissue sarcoma
  • Fallopian tube cancer
  • Liver hepatocellular carcinoma
  • Early breast cancer
  • Abdominal tumors
  • Venter tumors

 

How Many Sessions Does MR-Linac Treatment Take?

The duration of treatment depends on the movement and shape of the tumor. Although there is no limitation in the number of sessions, it takes 4-6 sessions on average. MR-Linac treats tumors with higher doses than other technologies. The average treatment time per day is between 20 and 60 minutes.

How is MR-Linac Treatment Done?

Treatment with MR-Linac technology is planned in 3 stages:

The scanning phase is the follow-up of daily changes in the patient’s anatomy with a daily patient MRI scan.

The planning phase is the creation of the treatment, taking into account changes in the environment to tailor the treatment plan to the patient.

The treatment phase is performed simultaneously with continuous target imaging throughout radiation therapy.

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