Radiotherapy Systems

The state-of-the-art Elekta Versa HD™ linear accelerator offers unique capabilities for the effective execution of modern radiotherapy techniques, such as the use of intensity-modulated fields, IMRT/VMAT and stereotactic radiosurgery/radiotherapy (SRS/SRT).
At the same time, it has highly sophisticated features, including the advanced Agility beam shaping system and the Flattening Filter Free (FFF) technique for high dose rate administration, which make this linear accelerator unique in its kind.

The Varian EDGE Radiosurgery System represents an evolution in the way Stereotactic Radiosurgery and Stereotactic Radiotherapy are delivered, allowing for the performance of non-invasive radiosurgery treatments (SRS/SBRT) with simultaneous real-time tumor targeting. It features an integrated ConeBeam CT system for real-time imaging, allowing for targeted and safe delivery of therapy.
This treatment is intended for patients with tumors in the brain (benign or malignant), lung, spine, and other parts of the body. Specifically for intracranial treatments, the HyperArc technique can be applied, which achieves maximum precision in the simultaneous irradiation of multiple brain tumors.

The Halcyon Linear Accelerator, by Varian, is designed to provide high-quality treatments with speed and safety. It has the ability to perform IMRT (intensity modulated radiation) & VMAT (volumetric arc) radiotherapy at a higher level than classic systems, due to the characteristics of the machine that allow its head to rotate very quickly.

In addition, with Halcyon, imaging of the irradiation area is performed on a daily basis before the start of the daily session, as it has an integrated computed tomography system (ConeBeam CT). The system performs imaging and treatment with unprecedented speed.

At the same time, the IGRT technique (Image Guided Radiation Therapy) is supported, allowing control of the tumor and surrounding healthy tissues in real time, as well as their possible movement. At the same time, possible deviations from the initial position are detected and automatically corrected, contributing to the optimal focus of the treatment.

The Elekta Synergy Linear Accelerator supports the application of modern radiotherapy techniques, such as Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) and Volumetric Arc Therapy (VMAT). These techniques are particularly applicable to the irradiation of head and neck, prostate, rectal, brain and pediatric tumors, as well as to a number of other locations where radiotherapy with older techniques was more complex or limited.

In addition, the accelerator has integrated imaging systems, supporting the IGRT technique, through which the possibility of checking, in real time, the position of the tumor, the surrounding healthy tissues and organs, as well as their possible changes or movements during the treatment is provided.

It consists of the DISCOVERY RT gen 2 CT scanner, specialized for radiotherapy use, by General Electric, which is connected to special virtual simulation software as well as two radiotherapy planning systems (Eclipse by Varian and Monako by Elekta). In these, the images (CT) obtained as well as the patient’s other diagnostic tests (MRI, PET/CT), combined through image fusion software (Fussion), are used for the precise planning of the target tumor and for the determination of the healthy anatomical structures that must be protected. With this process, a completely personalized radiotherapy plan is designed for each patient.

ELEKTA HDR Flexitron brachytherapy post-loading system, with the ability to perform intracavitary and intratissue applications image-guided with CT and MRI. Specialized calculation software (Oncentra Brachy) is used for this system. Brachytherapy is mainly applied to gynecological tumors. In our center, the latest generation Venezia Advanced Gynecological Applicator is used, suitable for hybrid applications (intracavitary / intratissue) in patients with inoperable cervical cancer. This specific technique allows for precise access to the disease and the administration of high therapeutic doses of radiation with maximum accuracy and safety, enhancing the therapeutic possibilities in the treatment of particularly demanding cases. Our department is the only private center in Northern Greece that applies this specific technique.

This is the world’s leading system for SGRT, and the first to be installed in Northern Greece. This innovative system of continuous surface monitoring of the patient recognizes his position in real time, in order to ensure the maximum accuracy of his initial placement (set-up), as well as the detection of any possible movement during the treatment, essential parameters for the correct execution of intracranial and extracranial radiosurgical treatments. At the same time, it allows us to perform treatments during deep inspiration (Deep inspiration breath hold – DIBH) which are particularly applicable to patients with breast tumors, in order to minimize radiation to the heart, but also to other tumors that move during breathing (lung tumors, upper abdominal tumors).

In our department, we place particular emphasis on ensuring quality throughout the radiotherapy process, following a strict quality assurance (QA) program with the most modern measurement systems (ArcCheck, SRS MapCheck, Mobius, etc.), in full compliance with international and Greek protocols.