Division of Radiation Oncology
Overview
In an era of advancing medical technology, most diseases can be effectively treated. However, cancer remains one of the leading causes of death in Taiwan. The purpose of radiation therapy is to utilize linear accelerators to generate high-energy radiation that targets and destroys cancer cells, inhibits their growth, and minimizes side effects on healthy tissues. This approach aims to achieve therapeutic effects while preserving a high quality of life for patients.
Unit Introduction
The Department of Radiation Oncology at the Taichung Armed Forces General Hospital was established on August 10, 2020. The TrueBeam radiation therapy system, which cost the hospital 160 million NTD, is a next-generation linear accelerator designed for high-precision radiation therapy. It is particularly effective for delivering radiation surgical treatments and significantly enhances the efficacy and accuracy of radiation therapy.
TrueBeam is capable of performing various advanced techniques, including:
- Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
- Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT)
- Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT)
With its ultra-high dose rate and integrated digital synchronous control system, the precision and effectiveness of radiation therapy have reached unprecedented levels.
Radiation therapy depends not only on precise instruments but also on a team of skilled professionals, including radiation oncologists, medical physicists, radiation therapists, and oncology nurses. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, we offer integrated cancer treatment services, ensuring that high-quality care remains our top priority.
Services
Treatment Techniques
- Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT): An advanced technique that uses a multi-leaf collimator and inverse planning systems to vary the intensity of radiation beams. It achieves conformal treatment and modulates each incoming beam, improving control rates while reducing complications and enhancing cure rates.
- Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT): Monitors deviations in the tumor’s position over time. It ensures precise delivery by addressing movement or volume changes, enhancing treatment accuracy and effectiveness.
- Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT): A robotic arm rotates 360° around the patient, dynamically adjusting the beam shape through 177 angles using computer algorithms. The entire treatment can be completed in under two minutes, while minimizing exposure to healthy tissues.
- Sub-Millimeter Precision: Mechanical movement error <1 mm, beam energy variation <0.5%. Enables precise SRT/SRS and SABR treatments.
- High Dose Output Rate: Shortens treatment time and reduces radiation exposure to normal tissues.
- PerfectPitch 6D Treatment Table: Corrects positional errors across six axes for enhanced accuracy.
- 4D Imaging + Respiratory Monitoring System: Ideal for lung and liver tumors affected by respiratory movement, continuously tracking tumor position changes.
Service Items
- Initial Outpatient Consultation: Discuss disease details, treatment plans, and potential side effects.
- Radiation Therapy Education Consultation: Sign consent forms and receive nursing guidance.
- Imaging Localization: Develop auxiliary molds and perform CT scans for targeting.
- Treatment Planning: Create personalized therapy plans tailored to each patient.
- Daily Radiation Therapy: Use image-guided techniques for treating various tumors.
- Weekly Check-ups: Conducted throughout the treatment process.
- Post-Operative Follow-Up Care: Schedule regular check-ins after treatment completion.
Environmental Introduction
The Radiation Therapy Center integrates outpatient services, treatment, and education in a spacious, independent environment. Facilities include an outpatient area, waiting room, education room, CT simulation room, treatment room, and a treatment waiting area, providing a comfortable space for patients.
Future Outlook
We strive to continuously introduce high-quality instruments and technologies. Our team is committed to actively learning and applying the latest medical knowledge, offering professional and comprehensive care, and becoming a benchmark radiation therapy center in central Taiwan.