New radiotherapy machine a Scottish first
Published: 29/06/2022 10:54New radiotherapy machine a Scottish first
NHS Grampian’s commitment to providing the best possible cancer treatment has been underlined with the installation of a new type of radiotherapy treatment machine. The new device, called “Ethos”, is the first of its type in Scotland and only the third in the UK. It uses on-board x-ray imaging and powerful computer technology to identify the tumour and organs (based on the original CT scan) and then to re-optimise the radiation beams to deliver the required radiation dose to the tumour while avoiding vital organs.
John McLellan, Head of Radiotherapy Physics, said: “Radiotherapy is a vital component of cancer services; roughly 30% to 40% of all cancer patients receive radiotherapy as part of their care. Modern radiotherapy utilises ‘dynamic’ radiation beams, precisely targeted and shaped to deliver a prescribed dose to a “tumour volume”. Treatments are delivered in multiple daily sessions over a number of days or weeks. However, until very recently, we were unable to alter the treatment to take account of patient weight loss or shrinkage in the tumour. The arrival of the Ethos device changes all that. We believe we can now improve treatment success rates, while minimising side effects.”
Dr Rafael Moleron, Consultant Clinical Oncologist, said: “This new equipment can deliver state of the art radiotherapy significantly faster, being more patient friendly. The treatment of Head and Neck cancer is particularly challenging and involves a very fine balance between the probability of cure and treatment side effects. The radiotherapy team at NHS Grampian has chosen this as the first cancer type for implementation of adaptive radiotherapy, before expanding the service to other cancer types. With the new machine now on site, we are developing detailed clinical procedures and we expect to be one of the first centres in the world to offer on-line adaptive treatment for Head and Neck cancer.”
Nicola Redgwell, Radiotherapy Manager, said: "The installation of the Ethos machine not only demonstrates our commitment to investing in the best equipment, but also highlights the opportunities available to therapeutic radiographers working in Grampian. Whether you are newly graduated or more established, working for us gives you the chance to be on the leading edge of radiotherapy treatment and cancer care"