Mercy Health – Springfield Cancer Center is advancing its cancer treatment capabilities with the installation of new, state-of-the-art Varian TrueBeam Linear Accelerator (linac), offering patients more precise, effective, and convenient radiation therapy options.
This cutting-edge machine delivers high-energy X-rays to treat tumors throughout the body and marks a major advancement in local cancer care. It measures 9 feet tall and 15 feet long, including a rotating gantry arm that allows radiation to be delivered from virtually any angle, ensuring accurate, tailored treatment based on each patient's specific tumor location. Weighing 25,000 pounds, the device now has a dedicated treatment room within the Cancer Center.
The TrueBeam system is specially designed to perform Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) and Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) – minimally invasive and highly effective treatment options used to target lesions and tumors in the prostate, lung, brain, spine, and more. These treatments are delivered with pinpoint precision, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. This new technology will also help expand the health system’s existing low-dose radiation therapy for osteoarthritis patients.
Patients also benefit from shorter treatment schedules—just one to five sessions over one to two weeks, compared to traditional treatment plans that can take several weeks. The system’s HyperSight™ imaging technology allows for rapid imaging during treatment, reducing the amount of time patients need to hold their breath or remain still.
Beyond technical capabilities, the new linac brings much-needed access to advanced care for local residents.
“The last thing you want to do when you are ill is get in a car and travel long distances to get treatment,” added Lisa Gibson, Mercy Health’s Director of Oncology Services. “It will be so nice for our patients to be close to home to receive this highly technological treatment.”
To support the use of the new equipment, five radiation therapists have undergone advanced training and certification to ensure safe, expert delivery of care.
For more information about Mercy Health’s oncology services or to schedule an appointment, please visit mercy.com.