TrueBeam

TrueBeam advanced radiation technology: Exceptional accuracy and speed in cancer treatment

For patients battling cancer, every moment matters. Spending five to ten fewer minutes in a treatment room can make a world of difference on the long road to survivorship. TrueBeam, a state-of-the-art radiotherapy system developed by Varian, is designed with this very goal in mind. Available at the Nancy N. and J.C. Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion, TrueBeam isn’t just faster—it’s also more precise. Its advanced design prioritizes efficiency and patient comfort, allowing for a smoother and less stressful treatment experience. By reducing treatment times and improving precision, TrueBeam empowers patients to focus on healing and living their lives.

Superior imaging and targeting

TrueBeam sets a new standard in radiation therapy, combining cutting-edge imaging technology with unparalleled precision. Its advanced imaging system delivers remarkably high-quality visuals of tumors and surrounding internal organs, enabling oncologists to pinpoint treatment areas with exceptional accuracy.

This level of precision means that radiation oncologists can minimize exposure to healthy tissues, which is critical for reducing side effects and improving overall outcomes. By tailoring the treatment to each patient's unique anatomy, TrueBeam ensures a safer and more effective approach to cancer care. For patients, this means confidence in their treatment plan and hope for a better recovery.

How TrueBeam works

TrueBeam delivers radiation beams with pinpoint precision, targeting cancer while protecting surrounding healthy cells. The noninvasive system rotates around the patient, delivering radiation doses from multiple angles—no incisions required. Its ability to adapt to the patient’s position ensures optimal accuracy during every session.

While not all cancer types are eligible for TrueBeam treatment, patients who qualify can expect a fast and efficient process. Most sessions take 10 minutes or less, compared to the 10 to 15 minutes required by older machines. Shorter treatment times improve patient comfort and reduce the risk of movement during the procedure, enhancing overall accuracy. These time savings add up for patients with multiple appointments, significantly improving their overall treatment journey.

TrueBeam in the Low Country

TrueBeam technology is also available at the Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion’s Radiation Oncology Center in Hilton Head and Bluffton. Patients in the Lowcountry have access to the same cutting-edge technology as those in Savannah.

This advanced system integrates cone beam CT imaging, a type of scan performed before treatment begins. This daily image-guided radiation therapy ensures absolute precision for even the most complex cases, such as prostate or head and neck cancers. Patients can feel confident knowing that their treatment plan is guided by real-time imaging for maximum accuracy.

By combining faster treatments with superior imaging, TrueBeam offers patients unparalleled care. This technology represents a significant step forward in cancer treatment, improving patient experience and outcomes.

Complementary technologies: CyberKnife® and TrueBeam

The Nancy N. and J.C. Lewis Cancer and Research Pavilion has always been at the forefront of adopting new technologies that advance cancer treatment. TheLCRP was the first to introduce The CyberKnife® Suite to our region back in 2011. It is a revolutionary tool capable of delivering radiation beams from over 1,200 angles. While CyberKnife® and TrueBeam share some capabilities, they also have distinct differences, allowing them to complement one another in treating a wide range of cancers.

CyberKnife® excels at delivering highly focused radiation doses for smaller, hard-to-reach tumors, while TrueBeam is ideal for fast and efficient daily treatments. Together, these technologies provide radiation oncologists with an arsenal for treating various types of cancer with precision and care.

Patients at the LCRP benefit from the best of both worlds: access to advanced tools and a personalized approach to their treatment. With these complementary technologies, every patient receives a treatment plan tailored to their unique needs, ensuring the highest standard of care.

A patient-focused approach to cancer care

Our mission at the Nancy N. and J.C. Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion is to combine technological innovation with compassionate care. Tools like TrueBeam and CyberKnife® enable us to offer patients the most advanced treatments available while prioritizing their comfort and well-being. We understand that cancer treatment can be overwhelming, which is why we are committed to guiding our patients every step of the way. With our expertise and state-of-the-art technology, patients can focus on what matters most—healing and hope.