Elekta Versa is a high-technology linear accelerator (linac) device used in radiotherapy treatment. Radiotherapy is a form of treatment that uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells or control their growth. Designed using modern technology and advanced radiotherapy techniques, Elekta Versa aims to both increase efficacy and minimize side effects in cancer treatment. Many advanced techniques that have become standard in modern oncology practice can be successfully applied with this system.
How Does Elekta Versa Work?
Elekta Versa delivers radiation precisely to the tumor tissue by producing high-energy photon and electron beams. The device uses an advanced multi-leaf collimator (MLC) system to shape the beam according to the tumor's geometry. This allows for a high dose to be focused on the tumor while protecting surrounding healthy tissues. Thanks to integrated imaging systems, the patient's and tumor's position are verified before and during treatment, ensuring the radiation is delivered to the correct point.
The system offers integrated kV (kilovoltage) and MV (megavoltage) imaging capabilities for image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT). With Cone-beam CT (CBCT) imaging, tumor position and patient anatomy are evaluated with high accuracy before treatment. This allows for real-time monitoring and, when necessary, respiratory-gated irradiation, especially in organs that move with respiration (lungs, abdominal region). Modern dose calculation algorithms and high dose rates shorten treatment time and increase patient comfort.
Features and Advantages of Elekta Versa
- High precision: Increases treatment efficacy by delivering high doses of radiation to cancer cells while causing minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
- Image-Guided Radiotherapy (IGRT): Thanks to image-guided radiotherapy technology, the exact location of the cancerous tissue is determined with real-time imaging during treatment.
- Compatibility for moving targets: Accurate targeting can be achieved even in organs that move with respiration, such as the lungs and abdomen.
- Multiple radiotherapy modes: Various techniques such as 3D conformal radiotherapy, intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS/SBRT) can be applied.
- Short treatment time: Each session takes less time thanks to modern beam delivery technology.
- High patient comfort: Ergonomic design and short treatment duration improve the patient experience.
- Wide clinical application area: A flexible platform that can be used in the treatment of almost every type of cancer.
- High dose rate (FFF mode): It is possible to deliver the dose very quickly in the flattening filter-free (FFF) mode.
- Low integral dose: The cumulative dose received by healthy tissues is kept to a minimum.
In Which Diseases Is It Used?
- Lung, breast, prostate, head and neck, brain, stomach, liver, pancreas, gynecological, and urological cancers
- Pediatric oncology cases (when appropriate)
- Treatment of brain metastases and small lesions with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS)
- Treatment of lung, liver, prostate, and spinal lesions with stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT)
- Radiotherapy that can be applied in selected cases of benign diseases
- Adjuvant treatment after surgery and applications complementing surgery
- Palliative treatment: Pain control and improving quality of life in metastatic lesions
- Treatment of recurrent tumors and re-irradiation of cases that have previously received radiation
- Cases of lymphoma and hematological malignancies requiring radiotherapy
- Palliative treatment of bone metastases
Treatment Process
The radiotherapy process begins with an evaluation by a radiation oncologist. An appropriate treatment protocol is determined by considering the patient's imaging studies, biopsy results, and general health status. Treatment decisions are made in a multidisciplinary tumor board, where the sequence of surgery, radiotherapy, and systemic therapy is established. During the simulation phase, CT and, if necessary, MR and PET-CT images are obtained; the treatment area is defined, and the patient's position is standardized with immobilization accessories.
Beam planning is performed in collaboration with medical physicists, and dose distribution is optimized to maximize the effect on the tumor while minimizing damage to healthy tissues. The plan undergoes quality control, and dosimetric verification is performed before it is applied to the patient. Treatment sessions usually last a few minutes, and the patient is irradiated in the same position in each session. The treatment process may continue for weeks in daily sessions depending on the type of disease; in stereotactic treatments, a few sessions may be sufficient. Throughout the treatment, the patient's side effects, nutrition, and general health status are closely monitored through weekly evaluation examinations.
Points to Consider
Modern radiotherapy devices like Elekta Versa can improve treatment outcomes and reduce side effects by offering a more effective and personalized approach to cancer treatment. However, since every patient's condition is unique, the treatment plan and techniques to be used must be carefully determined by a multidisciplinary healthcare team. During treatment, patients may encounter certain side effects (skin changes, fatigue, regional effects depending on the treatment area); these are usually temporary and can be managed with appropriate care.
Nutrition, rest, and adherence to physician recommendations affect the success of the treatment process. Medication use, accompanying diseases, and pregnancy status must be reported to the physician during treatment. Care should be taken regarding the skin in the treatment area; perfumes, deodorants, and irritating products should not be used, and the skin should be protected from the sun. Adequate fluid intake, balanced nutrition, and sleep are important during treatment. Regular follow-ups in the post-treatment period are also critical for the early detection of possible late side effects and recurrence.
Elekta Versa at Koru Hospital
As Koru Hospital, we offer all techniques of modern radiotherapy to our patients in our radiation oncology unit with our Elekta Versa device and experienced expert staff. Our multidisciplinary team, consisting of radiation oncologists, medical physicists, radiotherapy technicians, and nurses, prepares and implements treatment plans specific to each patient. Each case is evaluated in detail in our tumor boards with the participation of surgery, medical oncology, radiology, and pathology specialists, and a personalized treatment protocol is created in line with the most current evidence-based guidelines. We aim to use the most advanced radiotherapy facilities offered by modern medicine, standing by our patients at every stage from pre-treatment to the follow-up period. With our nutritionists, psychological support team, and nursing staff, we ensure that the treatment process is supported not only medically but also holistically. As Koru Hospital, our goal is to increase the success rate in cancer treatment while maintaining our patients' quality of life at the highest level and supporting them safely throughout the entire treatment process.
