Linear Accelerator (LINAC) Radiosurgery

Linear accelerator (LINAC®) systems are devices that have been used for the treatment of cancer for many decades. Recently, these machines have been adapted for use in stereotactic radiosurgical treatment. In order to use a linac for stereotactic radiosurgery, the hardware must be upgraded with precision bearings and various sized precision collimators (devices that modify the size of the radiation beam). There are various linac systems available in the United States. CINN has a number of different systems available for patient treatment. The systems consist of a number of parts: a head frame and a means of attaching the frame to the treatment table, various sized collimators with a means of attaching them to the linac and specialized computer software for use in planning the treatment.

The most common uses of LINAC stereotactic radiosurgery are for the treatment of metastatic cancer, some benign tumors and some arterio-venous malformations.

A typical treatment with a LINAC®:

	Early morning admission to the hospital.
	Placement of the head frame. This is rigidly attached to the head using pins placed with local anesthetic.
	Imaging. This can consist of CT scan, MRI scan or angiogram. These are sometimes used in combination.
	Treatment planning. This is performed using a dedicated computer workstation with specialized software.
	Treatment. The length of time depends on the extent of treatment. During treatment, the patient is attached to the treatment table. The patient will see the linac rotate around his/her head.
	Frame removal. A painless procedure. After removal, the patient returns to his/her room.