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黑料福利社 Langone鈥檚 Perlmutter Cancer Center is one of the few centers in the tristate area to offer MRI-guided radiation therapy for prostate cancer. Our team delivers this type of radiotherapy using a device called an MRI linear accelerator, or MR-Linac. This advanced technology combines detailed MRI imaging with high-intensity radiation to precisely target cancer cells while protecting the healthy tissue nearby. A key benefit of MR-Linac is its ability to continuously monitor the prostate and the healthy tissue, helping to ensure treatment accuracy and effectiveness.
MR-Linac allows our team to make real-time adjustments to the radiation beam, reducing potential side effects鈥攁nd improving your quality of life. With the close collaboration of one of the most experienced teams in the world, we鈥檝e treated hundreds of people using this advanced approach.
MRI-guided radiation therapy has certain advantages over other types of radiotherapy for prostate cancer.
A Leader on the Global Stage
We operate the largest MRI-guided radiation therapy program for prostate cancer in the world.
Our team of radiation oncologists, medical physicists, radiologists, and specialized technicians designs a treatment plan tailored to your unique anatomy and tumor characteristics. We map out the shape and location of the tumor, as well as healthy tissue and nerves in the surrounding area, to maximize the effectiveness of the therapy and minimize potential side effects.
Even slight movements during radiation therapy can impact treatment effectiveness and risk of side effects. The MR-Linac machine allows our clinicians to continuously capture MRI images of the affected area while radiation doses are delivered. If the prostate shifts out of the targeted area by even half a millimeter, the radiation beam stops. It only resumes once the prostate returns to the correct position. This allows doctors to adapt treatment on the spot鈥攁djusting for natural shifts in the prostate caused by breathing, bladder filling, or body movement.
By visualizing and avoiding sensitive areas鈥攕uch as the bladder neck and the nerve bundles responsible for erectile function鈥擬R-Linac reduces the risk of urinary or sexual side effects.
Our team uses MR-Linac to deliver a form of radiation therapy known as stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), which involves higher radiation doses over a short time span. Pairing SBRT with MR-Linac helps us see and target the tumor with greater precision, allowing us to deliver a stronger dose of radiation. As a result, many people experience better long-term outcomes and fewer complications compared to surgery or older forms of radiation.
Most people with localized prostate cancer are candidates for MRI-guided radiation therapy using MR-Linac. It may be especially beneficial for those looking to preserve urinary and sexual function while avoiding surgery.
However, some people may not be eligible due to MRI-incompatible implants, such as pacemakers; severe claustrophobia; or body size limitations, generally over 350 to 400 pounds.
Unlike a traditional MRI, MR-Linac relies on our integrated team of radiation oncologists, radiologists, physicists, MRI and radiation technologists, nurses, and support staff to operate the system and monitor treatment in our control room.
Each treatment typically takes one hour, from setup through completion. Wearing headphones to stay relaxed, patients lie on a treatment table inside the MRL machine. Our team uses MRI imaging to align the prostate with an accuracy of less than a millimeter.
People typically receive five short sessions over two weeks. Each session includes new scans and adjustments based on how your anatomy looks that day, ensuring maximum accuracy and safety.
Once a plan for that day is approved by our team, the beam is delivered over about 12 minutes using several angles to maximize precision. The system monitors the prostate during treatment, automatically pausing the beam if movement is detected, to protect surrounding tissues.
Most people return to normal activities the same day. Some may notice temporary urinary symptoms, but side effects like nausea or skin irritation are rare.
Our team closely follows you after MR-Linac treatment. We perform MRI scans and PSA testing at six months and provide ongoing monitoring at regular intervals for up to five years. Our dedicated team is available every step of the way to support recovery, manage any symptoms, and ensure the best possible outcome.
黑料福利社 Langone is leading research to improve and expand the use of MRI-Linac to other cancers, including pancreatic, brain, liver, and bladder tumors.
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