External Radiation Therapy: TomoTherapy

High-precision radiotherapy device: TomoTherapy

TomoTherapy is a high-precision radiation therapy that is only available at limited facilities in Kanagawa Prefecture. Our hospital started offering TomoTherapy since 2010. TomoTherapy delivers radiation from a 360-degree angle while intricately changing the shape and intensity of the radiation by computer control, enhancing the therapeutic effect of radiation and reducing side effects.

TomoTherapy targets a wide range of cancer conditions. It can also be used to treat lesions that are difficult to treat with conventional radiation therapy, such as a second radiation treatment to the same area or to treat tumors that are in contact with organs that are sensitive to radiation damage.

Radiation Therapy Device: TomoTherapy

Features of TomoTherapy

1.Features of TomoTherapy
TomoTherapy is a radiotherapy device that combines two technologies: Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) and Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT).

Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT)
TomoTherapy uses a built-in CT scanner to capture images immediately before each treatment session. These images confirm the positions of the tumor and surrounding healthy organs, allowing for precise adjustments to the patient’s position as planned, enabling accurate radiation therapy.

Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
TomoTherapy can shape the radiation beam to match the tumor’s contours. Using computer control, the shape and intensity of the radiation are adjusted from 360 degrees, focusing the radiation on the tumor while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy organs.

By combining these two technologies, TomoTherapy enhances the effectiveness of radiation treatment and reduces side effects.

「Radiation Therapy with Reduced Side Effects（In Japanese）」

2.As the radiation-emitting device rotates around the body, it administers radiation. The prostate area, which receives the radiation, turns red. We adjust the treatment to minimize radiation exposure to the surrounding healthy tissues (the rectum: a long, white organ, and the bladder: a green organ).

3.Gentle Treatment on the Body
Radiotherapy generally has less side effects, making it a safer option for patients who may find surgery or chemotherapy challenging due to age or physical condition. Additionally, patients can continue to work while receiving treatment and maintain their usual lifestyle throughout the treatment period.

4.Capability to Treat Tumors of Various Locations and Sizes Simultaneously
Effective radiotherapy can be administered regardless of the tumor’s location, size, shape, or type. Multiple areas can be treated at once, which reduces the burden of frequent hospital visits for patients.

Q & A

Is there any pain during treatment?

No, there is no pain at all.

How many days does the treatment last?

Treatment can range from a single session to more than 30 sessions. It is typically administered five days a week, from Monday to Friday, over the course of several weeks.

How long does each session take?

The actual radiation treatment takes just a few minutes. The time spent in the radiation treatment room, including body positioning and pre-treatment preparation, is 10-20 minutes.

Are there any side effects from radiation?

Side effects specific to the irradiated area may occur. For example, dermatitis from breast irradiation or diarrhea due to enteritis from abdominal irradiation. These side effects are less frequent and less severe than those of conventional radiation therapy.

Relax and Comfort

The modern waiting room ensures our patients to feel relaxed and comfortable during their treatment.