What is MR Linac? The information on this page is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. This page does not include information about medicinal healthcare services at Liv Hospital.
What Is MR-Linac?
Magnetic Resonance (MR)
- MR is an advanced imaging technique that provides high resolution visualization of internal organs, soft tissues, and anatomical structures without ionizing radiation.
- MR scanners use powerful magnetic fields and radiofrequency pulses to generate detailed images.
- The clarity of MR imaging is particularly helpful in distinguishing soft tissues such as the prostate, rectum, liver, and head and neck structures, which can be challenging to outline with other imaging methods.
Linear Accelerator (Linac)
- A linear accelerator generates high energy X rays (photons) or electron beams used in radiotherapy to destroy cancer cells by damaging their DNA.
- These beams are shaped and modulated to conform to the tumor’s geometry, delivering the prescribed dose while minimizing exposure to nearby healthy tissues.
- Linacs are the backbone of external beam radiation therapy in modern oncology.
The MR-Linac Combination
- MR-Linac combines continuous MR imaging with radiation delivery in a single system.
- With real-time imaging, the care team can see the tumor and surrounding organs during treatment allowing precise targeting and adaptive adjustments if anatomy shifts.
- This approach enhances accuracy and safety, potentially leading to improved outcomes and reduced side effects.
Features and Advantages of MR-Linac
MR-Linac provides real-time, high-resolution imaging along with precise radiotherapy, enabling more accurate targeting of tumors and better preservation of healthy tissue. The key advantages of MR-Linac include:
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Real-Time Imaging: MR-Linac provides the ability to continuously monitor the location and size of the tumor during treatment. This is especially important when the tumor is mobile or its size may change.
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More Precise Treatment: High-resolution MR imaging enables radiotherapy beams to be focused accurately on the tumor, minimizing damage to healthy tissues.
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Treatment Planning: MR-Linac allows for detailed and precise planning before treatment begins. This helps achieve more effective and successful outcomes during therapy.
Reduced Side Effects: The increased precision of MR Linac treatments, along with decreased damage to healthy tissues, can help minimize side effects following therapy.
In Which Diseases is MR Linac Used?
MR Linac is a device primarily used in cancer treatment, offering significant advantages, especially for treating tumors located in organs that move.
MR Linac can be used in the treatment of various types of cancer such as:
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Prostate cancer: MR Linac technology enables more precise targeting of tumors within the prostate gland, improving treatment accuracy and minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
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Rectal cancer: MR Linac technology enables the treatment of rectal tumors with high precision, minimizing harm to surrounding healthy tissues.
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Head and neck cancers: Tumors in this region can be more clearly visualized with MR Linac, allowing for the creation of a more effective and precise treatment plan.
- Lung cancer: MR Linac can provide better results, especially for lung tumors that move during breathing.
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Liver cancer: MR Linac technology allows liver tumors to be treated with greater precision.
How is MR Linac Used in Treatment?
The MR Linac device is primarily used in radiotherapy. Here is a detailed overview of how the treatment process works:
General Steps in Using the Mr. Linac Device
1. Patient Evaluation and Planning
Diagnosis and Evaluation: The patient’s condition is assessed and specific treatment needs are identified. MR Linac therapy is most commonly used for conditions such as cancer.
Imaging: Before creating the treatment plan, CT, MRI, or PET scans are performed to accurately determine the position of the patient’s internal organs and tumor.
Treatment Plan: The radiotherapist or physicist creates a treatment plan for the MR Linac device based on the patient’s anatomical structure and the location of the tumor. At this stage, the radiation dose, treatment duration, and beam angles are determined.
2. Preparation and Positioning
Positioning: The patient is carefully placed in the correct position on the treatment table. Special markers or immobilization devices are typically used to help maintain the correct position throughout the procedure.
Imaging Control: Before treatment begins, additional imaging is performed to confirm that the patient is in the correct position. This ensures greater accuracy throughout the treatment process.
3. Treatment Process
Irradiation: The MR Linac device delivers targeted radiation to the tumor using high-energy X-rays or electron beams. By directing these beams with high precision, the device minimizes the risk of damage to the surrounding healthy tissues.
Dynamic Treatment: Some MR Linac devices can track tumor movement and automatically adjust the radiation beams to remain precisely focused on the tumor. This approach is especially effective for tumors that move, such as those affected by breathing.
4. Final Checks and Monitoring
Post-Treatment Monitoring: After treatment is completed, regular follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the patient’s condition and detect any potential side effects.
Feedback and Adjustments: Data collected during or after the treatment process is used to modify the treatment plan as needed.
MR Linac devices stand out from traditional radiotherapy methods and other modern technologies due to several key features.
For precise information about MR Linac pricing, please contact the hospital’s call center directly.
* Liv Hospital Editorial Board has contributed to the publication of this content .
* Contents of this page is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The content of this page does not include information on medicinal health care at Liv Hospital .
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is MR Linac used for?
MR Linac is used to deliver precise radiotherapy for cancers located in areas where tumors may move, such as the prostate, rectum, liver, lung, and head and neck regions.
How does MR Linac differ from traditional radiotherapy?
Traditional radiotherapy uses CT based planning, while MR Linac provides real time MRI imaging during treatment, allowing doctors to see the tumor and adjust radiation instantly.
Is MR Linac treatment painful?
No. MR Linac treatment is painless. Patients lie still while radiation is delivered, similar to a standard MRI or radiotherapy session.
How long does an MR Linac session take?
Treatment sessions typically last longer than standard radiotherapy, usually between 30 and 60 minutes, due to detailed imaging and precision adjustments.
Who is eligible for MR Linac therapy?
Patients with tumors that move or change shape, or those located near sensitive organs, are often good candidates. Eligibility is determined after imaging and specialist evaluation.
What cancers can be treated with MR Linac?
MR Linac is commonly used for prostate, rectal, liver, lung, head and neck, and certain soft tissue tumors requiring high precision.
Is MR Linac safe?
Yes. It is designed to reduce radiation to healthy tissues and limit side effects. MRI uses no ionizing radiation, making imaging safer during treatment.
What are the advantages of MR Linac?
Real time tumor tracking, fewer side effects, improved accuracy, and personalized daily treatment adaptation are key benefits of MR Linac therapy.
How many MR Linac sessions are needed?
The number of sessions varies depending on the tumor type and treatment plan. Some patients may need only a few sessions, while others require multiple visits.
What happens after MR Linac treatment?
Patients attend follow up appointments to monitor progress, manage side effects, and assess response using imaging and clinical evaluations.