Safer, Smarter, More Patient-Focused Care at Saint Mary’s Cancer Center
When undergoing radiation therapy, comfort, safety and precision matter. At Saint Mary’s Cancer Center, we’ve introduced advanced technology designed to support a more precise and personalized treatment experience. Our new linear accelerator (Elekta Evo), combined with VisionRT Surface Guided Radiation Therapy (SGRT), helps ensure accurate treatment delivery while reducing the need for permanent marks and uncomfortable positioning.
What Is a Linear Accelerator with SGRT?
A linear accelerator (LINAC) delivers high‑energy radiation beams that are carefully targeted to destroy cancer cells while protecting nearby healthy tissue.
Traditional radiation therapy relies on skin marks and periodic imaging to guide treatment. Our linear accelerator paired with SGRT uses camera-based technology to monitor your position in real time during treatment. It detects movements like sneezing, deep breathing and coughing, allowing treatment to pause automatically if needed.
What This Means for Patients
Together, LINAC and VisionRT support a more precise, comfortable and tailored treatment experience. Key advantages to using this technology include its ability to:
- Target tumors with greater accuracy
- Protect healthy surrounding tissue
- Monitor position in real time
- Pause treatment if movement occurs
- Provide diagnostic-quality imaging
- Support shorter, more comfortable visits
- Deliver advanced treatment for complex cancer care
Designed with Comfort in Mind
Beyond precision, this technology is designed to make the patient experience easier and more comfortable. Treatments are delivered more efficiently, helping reduce the time spent on the treatment table. By minimizing the need for restrictive immobilization devices, patients can rest in a more natural position during treatment. These advancements help create a treatment experience that feels less restrictive and more comfortable.