More Comfortable, Targeted Cancer Treatment at Halifax Health
Dr. Joyce Battle,
Radiation Oncologist
Halifax Health has a new tool that makes radiation treatment more precise — and gentler on cancer patients. It’s the Varian Clinac iX linear accelerator, and it uses highly targeted xray beams to treat cancer lesions faster and more effectively. “Halifax Health is the only medical center in our community offering this superior tool for radiation treatment,” said Joyce Battle, MD, a radiation oncologist at Halifax Health – Center for Oncology.
On-Target Treatment
For people with cancer, the linear accelerator can offer the following benefits:- Tumors are targeted with greater accuracy.
- Healthy tissue is spared from radiation.
- Treatment is faster and more comfortable.
- Some patients may be able to avoid surgery.
During the treatment, the patient lies on a platform that can be rotated. This means the x-ray beams can be aimed more directly at the tumor, whether it’s located in the brain, the lung or elsewhere. “The higher accuracy lets us treat even a small lung lesion, which used to require surgery,” Dr. Battle explained.
Enhancing Patient Comfort
The Clinac iX’s short treatment time is especially helpful for people with head or neck cancers, which cause secretions in the throat when patients lie down. With the Clinac iX, patients need only lie down for two to three minutes, reducing their discomfort.The Clinac iX also readjusts whenever the patient’s position shifts slightly, which may occur during breathing. The x-ray beams automatically shut off when the tumor is out of focus, and on again when it is correctly positioned. Cancer cells are destroyed, while surrounding healthy tissue is protected. “There is no equipment superior to this for treating cancer,” Dr. Battle concluded.
