No More Tattoos: New Tech spares Breast Cancer Patients Permanent Markings
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Breast cancer patients in Leeds will no longer need permanent tattoo markings to guide thier radiotherapy treatment thanks to new technology.
Installed at Leeds Cancer centre, the Surface Guided Radiotherapy (SGRT) system uses advanced surface imaging to eliminate the need for the traditional markings.
The five machines have been funded by Leeds Hospitals Charity and are expected to benefit around 1,800 breast cancer patients a year.
Leanne Dalby, one of the first to benefit from the new equipment, said…
Leeds Cancer Centre improves Radiotherapy with Surface Guided Radiation Therapy
Leeds Cancer Centre is enhancing radiotherapy treatment for patients with the introduction of Surface Guided Radiation Therapy (SGRT). This advanced technology offers more accurate, safer, and agreeable treatment, particularly benefiting patients with communication impairments.
What is Surface Guided Radiation therapy (SGRT)?
SGRT uses advanced imaging to create a 3D surface map of the patient’s body. This map is then used to precisely align the patient for each radiotherapy session, replacing the traditional method of skin marker tattoos. As Peter Enever, head of radiotherapy at leeds Cancer Centre, explains, “This is very different to traditional radiotherapy where we use skin marker tattoos to align the patient into the right position for treatment.” https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-67149999
The technology provides real-time feedback, ensuring accurate positioning throughout the treatment process. This is achieved through light signals and a visual coach, offering non-verbal guidance.
Benefits for Patients
SGRT offers several key advantages for cancer patients:
* Elimination of Skin Tattoos: The technology removes the need for permanent skin marker tattoos, a critically important benefit for patient comfort and cosmetic concerns.
* Improved Accuracy: SGRT provides more precise patient positioning, leading to more targeted radiotherapy and minimizing damage to healthy tissue.
* Accessibility for Patients with Communication Impairments: Traditionally, radiotherapy relied on verbal instructions for patients to hold their breath and remain still. SGRT’s visual guidance system allows patients who are deaf or have other communication difficulties to safely receive treatment. This addresses a critical safety concern previously associated with relying solely on speaker systems.
* Reduced treatment Times: SGRT can reduce the time required for each treatment session.
* Increased Patient Throughput: The efficiency gains allow more patients to access radiotherapy treatment more quickly.
According to Mr.Enever, “It is a fantastic piece of equipment and the experience the patients goes away with is much better.” https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-67149999
How SGRT Works
SGRT systems utilize cameras and projectors to map the patient’s surface.This surface is then compared to a pre-treatment plan, and any necessary adjustments are made to ensure accurate positioning. The real-time feedback loop allows for continuous monitoring and correction throughout the radiotherapy session.
Leeds Cancer Centre and Radiotherapy Innovation
Leeds Cancer Centre is a leading provider of cancer care in the UK, consistently adopting innovative technologies to improve patient outcomes. The introduction of SGRT demonstrates their commitment to delivering the highest standards of care.
The implementation of SGRT at Leeds Cancer Centre represents a significant step forward in radiotherapy, offering a more patient-centered and effective approach to cancer treatment.