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MRIdian: ViewRay's Revolutionary Radiotherapy Device
ViewRay's MRIdian is the world's first radiotherapy device with an integrated MRI system, offering a groundbreaking solution for treating tumors that were previously considered untreatable.
What is MRIdian (ViewRay)?
For many years, doctors have used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to detect tumors and linear accelerators (LINAC) to treat them. However, the MRI-LINAC technology presents an innovative solution that combines these two advanced technologies into one device. ViewRay's MRIdian is the first MRI-guided radiation therapy system that allows simultaneous imaging and treatment of cancer patients. This system, which combines MRI technology with LINAC to locate, target, and monitor tumors during radiation therapy, represents a breakthrough approach in radiotherapy.
How Does MRIdian (ViewRay) Work?
The MRIdian system begins treatment by positioning the patient on a table, as in traditional radiotherapy. However, here the targeted tissues are precisely imaged using MRI. With real-time imaging, doctors can control the treatment process as it happens. If movement is detected in the tumor or surrounding healthy tissues, doctors can adjust the treatment target and update the therapy while the patient is still on the table. A new MRI scan is performed before each treatment session, allowing the treatment process to be personalized according to the patient's daily anatomy. Patients can watch the tumor on a screen during treatment and contribute to the process by keeping their breathing within a certain frame. After the treatment session is completed, patients can return home immediately.
Differences Between MRIdian and Traditional LINAC-Based Treatments
MRIdian is a revolutionary technology in the field of radiotherapy. Compared to traditional methods, MRI-guided radiation therapy offers significant advantages in treating small or hard-to-reach tumors, tumors near critical structures, or moving tumors. The advanced features offered by MRIdian include:
- Continuous real-time imaging
- Allows the physician to clearly see tumors in soft tissues
- Access to moving or hard-to-reach tumors in the chest or abdomen
- Monitors the movement of tumors and healthy tissues during radiation therapy
- Real-time adaptive radiotherapy planning on the treatment table
- Enables visualization of progress by recording videos during the treatment process
- Delivers high doses and precise irradiation
- Eliminates the need for invasive and costly markers and tissue expanders
Advantages of MRIdian
The MRIdian LINAC system provides significant benefits for certain patients:
- Enhanced real-time tumor visualization
- Minimal radiation to surrounding healthy tissues
- Fewer treatment sessions
- Minimal side effects for patients
- Excellent safety and efficacy in radiation therapy
- Improved outcomes in hard-to-treat tumors
Conditions That Can Be Treated with MRIdian
MRIdian technology can be used for tumors throughout the body but offers particular advantages for diseases such as lung cancer, prostate cancer, abdominal cancer, liver tumors, and pancreatic cancer. Application areas include breast, peri-aortic, lung, kidney, bladder, pelvic lymph nodes, head and neck region, bile duct, stomach, cervix, adrenal gland, orbit, bone, spleen, gynecological pelvis, thorax, aortic arch, pancreas, heart, prostate, mesenteric, abdomen (soft tissue), neck, rectal, parotid gland, pelvis, spine, esophagus, thyroid, colon, liver, extremity, mediastinal, pelvic, soft tissue pelvis, brain, uterus, side, gallbladder, lingual lymph nodes, nasopharynx, ovaries, ribs, and thymus.
What Types of Cancer Does MRIdian Treat?
MRIdian is generally used for:
- Head and neck cancers
- Lung cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Liver cancer
- Gynecological cancers
- Gastrointestinal cancers
- Pancreatic cancer
- Bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma)
- Breast cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Soft tissue sarcomas
MRIdian offers the opportunity to visualize and monitor soft tissues and tumors in real-time. This allows for replanning the treatment process on the table if necessary. It is especially advantageous for tumors in certain areas of the body (such as the abdomen or thoracic regions) that move, even during breathing. In these areas, tumors and surrounding tissues can be clearly visualized with MRIdian. If movement is detected in the targets or healthy tissues, doctors can adjust the treatment target and replan the treatment while the patient is on the table. A new MRI scan can be performed based on the findings at each treatment session, providing a personalized treatment.
With MRIdian, it is possible to track tumors and deliver treatment at the right time and in the target position. The treatment of hard-to-reach tumors, tumors near critical structures, or tumors that move during breathing makes MRI-Guided Radiation Therapy more effective than other technologies. Additionally, MRIdian therapy generally offers better outcomes with minimal side effects and complications.
What to Expect After MRIdian Treatment?
The MRIdian treatment process consists of four steps: simulation, planning, treatment, and follow-up. MRIdian treatment is typically completed in 1-5 sessions. MRIdian requires fewer sessions compared to conventional radiotherapies due to its ability to increase the dose without harming healthy tissues. Sessions generally last between 25 and 60 minutes. After each treatment session, patients can return home or to their hotel rooms. A week later, you may need to return to the hospital for a follow-up examination and tests. Depending on the type of tumor, subsequent treatment may be planned. For example, if MRIdian is used for pancreatic cancer, the patient may need surgery after treatment. However, in localized prostate cancer, MRIdian treatment may provide recovery without requiring additional treatment.
What Are the Disadvantages of MRIdian?
As with any radiotherapy treatment, MRIdian therapy can cause some side effects. These are usually temporary and may cause respiratory, digestive, urinary, or reproductive system issues. Additionally, some patients may experience fatigue, nausea, skin irritation, and hair loss. However, MRIdian minimizes damage to healthy tissues by precisely targeting the tumor with radiation beams while monitoring healthy tissues and tumors in real-time. The radiation beam only targets the tumor during treatment; if the beam moves outside the tumor treatment area, the system automatically stops the beam, reducing the risk of toxicity. Possible side effects depend on the treatment area. For example, some patients may experience temporary urinary issues or loose and frequent bowel movements after prostate cancer treatment.
Contact Well Dems Travel Agency to learn more about MRIdian technology and ask any questions you may have about the treatment process.