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The main advantages of Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) are precision and speed.

Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT)

Volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) delivers radiation on a linear accelerator using a cone beam that continuously rotates around the patient. Each rotation is called an arc and one or more arcs might be used. During each rotation, the cone beam is continuously shaped (or modulated) by the multi-leaf collimator. In addition, the dose rate (how much radiation delivered for each second) and gantry speed (how fast the beam rotates) are also optimized to generate highly conformal dose distributions. The radiation is delivered to the intended area only, allowing the radiation oncologist to spare more surrounding healthy tissue. Both VAMT and IMRT are equally effective for normal tissue sparing. However, the treatment time for VMAT is significantly shorter, thus benefits patients who require longer (30 minutes or more) treatment time.

Side Effects

As with other external beam radiation therapy treatments, there is no pain expected during the actual treatments with VMAT. However, the machine can be stopped if you experience discomfort due to the treatment position or positioning devices. As treatment progresses, some patients may experience treatment-related side effects. The nature of the side effects depend on the normal tissue structures being irradiated. The radiation oncologist and the nurse will discuss and try to help you with any side effects. Side effects of radiation treatment include problems that occur as a result of the treatment itself as well as from radiation damage to healthy cells in the treatment area. The number and severity of side effects you experience will depend on the type of radiation and dosage you receive and the part of your body being treated. You should talk to your doctor and nurse about any side effects you experience so they can help you manage them. Radiation therapy can cause early and late side effects. Early side effects occur during or immediately after treatment and are typically gone within a few weeks. Common early side effects of radiation therapy include tiredness or fatigue and skin problems. Skin in the treatment area may become more sensitive, red, irritated, or swollen. Other skin changes include dryness, itching, peeling and blistering.

Early side effects may include:

  • Hair loss in the treatment area

  • Mouth problems and difficulty swallowing

  • Eating and digestion problems

  • Diarrhea

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Headaches

  • Soreness and swelling in the treatment area

  • Urinary and bladder changes

Long term side effects, which are rare, include:

  • Brain changes

  • Spinal cord changes

  • Lung changes

  • Kidney changes

  • Colon and rectal changes

  • Infertility

  • Joint changes

  • Lymphedema

  • Mouth changes

  • Secondary cancer

There is a slight risk of developing cancer from radiation therapy. Following radiation treatment for cancer, you should be checked on a regular basis by your radiation oncologist for recurring and new cancers.

Using techniques such as VMAT, radiation oncologists are maximizing the cancer-destroying capabilities of radiation treatment while minimizing its effect on healthy tissues and organs and the side effects of the treatment itself.

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