patient guide to truebeam stx® treatment

Get to know

TrueBeam STx

500 South Paulina Street, Chicago, IL 60612 (312) 942-4600 www.rushradiosurgery.com

http://www.rushradiosurgery.com


TrueBeam STx®

TrueBeam STx is the latest in advanced radiosurgery technology. It treats patients with a procedure called stereotactic radiosurgery, a noninvasive method of treating tumors with high-dose radiation precisely aimed from different angles.




TrueBeam STxA powerful, nonsurgical radiosurgery system, TrueBeam STx destroys cancerous and benign tumors with high-dose, highly accurate radiation beams while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. This pinpoint accuracy allows our physicians to treat difficult-to-reach tumors that may have been impossible to treat in the past.




TrueBeam STxBy delivering high-dose radiation beams that match the shape of the tumor being treated, TrueBeam STx also significantly reduces treatment time. A typical session takes about 15 minutes, reducing potential errors that can occur in longer lasting procedures.





Before TreatmentThe Rush Radiosurgery team of physicians, therapists and nurses are focused on your individualized plan for treatment. Below are some procedures that may be performed prior to your actual TrueBeam STx treatment. Every treatment plan is different and not all of these initial steps are necessary for every patient. The procedures required as part of your individualized treatment plan, and the order in which they will occur, will be explained during your consultation visit.

CT SimulationA CT scan is needed prior to beginning TrueBeam STx treatment. Even if you recently had a CT scan as part of your diagnosis, a new one will be needed for the radiation oncologist and physicist to develop your customized treatment plan. Some patients may need a soft mesh mask or body cradle molded from a lightweight material that helps in the TrueBeam STx treatment process. The fitting is painless and is completed as part of the CT scan process.

MR ImagingSometimes special imaging procedures, such as an MRI, are needed in addition to the CT Scan. Your radiation oncologist will write specific directions on areas of your body that need to be imaged. The radiation oncologist also determines whether this procedure requires contrast material, a special dye put in your body that helps the radiologist locate the treatment area on your radiology films. Contrast material is available in IV and oral forms.




Before TreatmentThe Rush Radiosurgery team of physicians, therapists and nurses are centered on your individualized plan for treatment. Below are some procedures that may be performed prior to your actual TrueBeam STx treatment. Every treatment plan is different, and not all of these initial steps are necessary for every patient. The procedures required as part of your individualized treatment plan, and the order in which they will occur, will be explained during your consultation visit.

Laboratory StudiesThe MRI procedure may require contrast material. If you need an MRI with contrast, we need to determine whether your kidneys can flush the dye out of your body. Your physician will order what’s known as a “BUN” and a creatinine blood test. The test results determine whether your kidneys can handle the dye on their own or you need IV fluids to help flush out the dye.

Tissue MarkersDepending on your individual case, you made need small tissue markers known as fiducials implanted in or near the tumor site. Fiducials help the TrueBeam STx system precisely target the treatment area. A physician implants the fiducials in or near the tumor site in a brief outpatient procedure. We will schedule this procedure and provide instructions for preparation. If needed, fiducial placement takes place prior to the CT scan.



During TreatmentPatients are asked to wear comfortable clothing during TrueBeam STx treatments. Jewelry is acceptable unless it is close to the area being treated. For example, we ask that earrings and necklaces be removed prior to treatment of tumors within the head and neck. Most of all, relax! This is a painless procedure.

A radiation therapist will help you onto the treatment table and fit the mask or body mold if needed. Patients are observed throughout the treatment on closed-circuit television, and they can pause treatment at any time by waving or speaking to the therapist.




During TreatmentThere’s no sedation or anesthesia required. Sometimes patients take naps during their procedures. Feel free to bring an MP3 player or your favorite music CDs with you on the day of your treatment, and we will play them for you during the procedure. We also have a music software program in which you can select your favorite genre of music to be played during the treatment session.

While the TrueBeam STx advanced tracking system accounts for movements like breathing, you’re asked to lie still during treatments. The system periodically takes x-ray images and compares them to the CT scan data to make sure the radiation beam is locked on the tumor. Treatment procedures take about 15 minutes, depending on the complexity of your tumor.

Patients are usually allowed to leave the center once treatment is complete and return to their normal routines. If your physician prescribes treatment that is fractionated, or divided into stages, you’ll need to return for up to four more treatments, depending on the treatment plan.




After TreatmentRecovery from a TrueBeam STx procedure can be immediate, given both the low risk of complications and the lack of damage to healthy tissue. In most cases, you will be able to return to your normal activities immediately following the procedure.

After completing your TrueBeam STx treatment, we’ll need to see you for follow-up imaging and physician consultation to monitor your progress. You will have an individualized plan for follow-up that will be coordinated by a nurse in collaboration with the physicians involved in your care.




Real patients. Real results.“TrueBeam STx treatment was a piece of cake. It was much quicker and more comfortable than other treatments I had undergone, and it treated the tumors without damaging any other tissue.”

Noreen T.




Our Center

Under the direction of medical director Dr. Aidnag Diaz, Rush Radiosurgery brings together experienced physicians and the latest medical advances to provide patients with exceptional care. Our cancer treatment facility opened in March 2012 on the campus of Rush University Medical Center. Our doctors are board-certified in radiation oncology and have several areas of specialty, including head and neck cancers, brain tumors, prostate cancer and lung cancer.

Medical Director: Dr. Aidnag DiazRadiation Oncologist: Dr. David SherTrueBeam STx Nurse: Debbie Gonzalez Connect'with'us'

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patient guide to truebeam stx® treatment

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