Cancer patients in NSW are benefitting from a new palliative care radiation trial at RNSH’s Cancer Centre, which reduces the time spent in treatment. The trial treats some of the Radiation trial cuts treatment time for cancer patients
The Varian Ethos machine used at the RNSH provides personalised, adaptive treatment that can adjust to changes in the tumour and ensure the cancer receives the optimum dose of radiation, while the surrounding healthy tissue is spared. “We’re hopeful delivering larger doses of radiation in shorter time frames will have advantages for patients undergoing palliative radiotherapy, but the adaptive technology also means we can create treatment plans on the day to respond to how the cancer may be changing within the patient’s body,” Tom said. “Previously this process would have taken longer and meant the patient would have to wait
while these treatment plans were created. “While undergoing palliative radiotherapy, how the cancer is positioned or located can change along with their body – so this technology allows us to follow it, target the cancerous tissue and manage some of the symptoms they may be experiencing.” The trial will run for up to five years and continue to gather evidence and inform palliative care into the future.
region’s sickest cancer patients with higher and more precise doses of radiation therapy, reducing the time spent in treatment and potentially alleviating some of the painful symptoms of treatment. The trial is the first internationally using Varian’s Ethos machine and treats patients with higher, more targeted doses of radiation therapy. RNSH radiation oncologist Professor Tom Eade, said the advanced technology of the Ethos radiotherapy machine would have benefits beyond the faster therapy delivery time and more targeted doses.
46 NSLHD 2022 Year in Review
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