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Volumetric Modulated Arc Treatment Hospital in Dhakuria

Volumetric Modulated ARC (VMAT)

Volumetric Modulated Arc Treatment in Dhakuria

The number of cancer cases is growing rapidly, but the advancement in its treatment is making the lives of cancer patients better and increasing their survival. Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) is a cutting-edge and advanced Radiotherapy technique that offers precise and effective treatment for cancer patients. This sophisticated treatment approach has recently gained popularity as it precisely delivers radiation to the tumour cells, minimising exposure to the surrounding healthy tissues. It is a type of External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) in which a machine provides cancer treatment from outside the body. VMAT is a newer form of Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT). In VMAT, the treatment is achieved by using a machine that rotates around your body, sending multiple energy beams of different strengths to kill cancer cells. This dynamic approach helps in providing more efficient dose distribution, resulting in shorter treatment times compared to traditional IMRT. VMAT can treat complex and irregularly shaped tumours or tumours present near critical structures. As customised doses of radiation are given, this treatment approach enhances patient comfort and overall treatment outcomes.

At Manipal Hospitals, Dhakuria, we have an experienced and trained team of oncologists and radiologists who collaborate to deliver personalised VMAT treatment with precision. We ensure patient comfort throughout their treatment journey and provide full support in overcoming this challenging cancer treatment. Patient safety and their enhanced quality of life are our top priorities.

FAQ's

VMAT is best suited for treating irregularly shaped tumours or tumours close to vital organs, such as cancers wrapped around an organ. Cancers that can be treated by VMAT include:

  • Prostate cancer
  • Head and neck cancer
  • Lung cancer
  • Brain cancer
  • Anal cancer
  • Breast cancer
  • Cervical cancer
  • Colorectal cancer
  • Esophageal cancer
  • Nasopharyngeal cancer
  • Oropharyngeal cancer

In VMAT treatment, a rotating liner accelerator machine called a LINAC is used that moves in single or multiple arcs around the patient. During this rotation, the small radiation beams (X-rays or photons) of varying intensity and shape are continuously modulated, and the treatment parameters are adjusted in real time based on the tumour's three-dimensional shape and position. Thus, high doses of radiation can be used to destroy cancer cell DNA, eventually killing these cells without exposing healthy tissues. 

  • Treatment planning is a vital part of VMAT, which helps identify the tumour and its nearby organs that need protection and the required radiation dose.

  • You will undergo a simulation or planning session before the real session.

  • The radiation oncologist will take 3D images of your tumour and surrounding tissues using a CT, MRI, and/or PET scan.

  • These images help design a customised treatment plan.

  • The plan specifies the dose, shape, and direction of the radiation beams.

  • You may receive permanent or temporary (small tattoo) marks on your skin for tumour location identification.

  • These marks will help align the LINAC (linear accelerator) with your tumour during treatment.

  • It can take place in a single or more session, depending on your tumour's shape and location.

  • You will be asked to lie on a treatment table in the same position as you were in the simulation session.

  • You will have to wear a special device to keep you still and in the correct position.

  • The LINAC machine will slowly rotate around you, delivering radiation beams according to your treatment plan.

  • You will not feel any pain or discomfort during the treatment but may hear some noises from the machine.

  • The treatment will last for a few minutes.

  • A radiation therapist will monitor you in real time through a video camera and an intercom system to ensure you are receiving the right amount of radiation in the right spots.

  • For a full radiation dose, it usually requires one or two rotations per treatment session.

  • In most cases, you can go home on the same day of the treatment.

  • You can resume your daily activities as soon as you feel comfortable.

  • There can be some side effects after the VMAT treatment. Thus, your radiation oncologist will advise you on how to manage these side effects.

  • Your treatment progress will be monitored throughout the treatment course with follow-up appointments.

In comparison to other Radiation treatments, VMAT offers the following benefits:

  • Precise treatment delivery

  • Faster treatment 

  • Reduced radiation exposure to healthy tissues

  • Enhanced patient comfort

  • Better dose selection

Despite being a precise treatment, VMAT still causes side effects depending on the type and location of the cancer, the radiation dose, and your overall health. The side effects associated with VMAT are:

  • Fatigue

  • Skin changes at the treatment area (itchiness, dryness, redness, or irritation)

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Hair loss

  • Headache 

  • Digestive issues

  • Difficulty swallowing or breathing

  • Changes in blood counts

  • Long-term effects (which can affect the functioning of the organ under treatment)

These side effects can be easily managed if reported promptly and discussed with your healthcare team. Our experienced team schedules regular follow-ups for monitoring and managing these potential side effects, enhancing treatment outcomes.

One session of VMAT may take around 20 minutes, while it takes only 2 minutes for the LINAC machine to deliver the treatment. The rest of the time goes into settling you in the right position. Therapy is given once a day for several weeks. The total number of sessions you may require will depend on your type and stage of cancer, your treatment goal, and your overall health. Everything related to the treatment, such as potential side effects and expected outcomes, will be discussed in detail with you before starting the treatment.

Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) and Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) are both advanced forms of Radiation Therapy. They aim to destroy cancer cells while minimising radiation exposure to healthy tissues. But they differ in how they deliver radiation. VMAT delivers radiation by rotating the linear accelerator around the patient in one or more arcs, allowing continuous adjustment of the beam intensity and shape in real-time. This results in shorter treatment times and often more precise targeting of the tumour. In contrast, IMRT delivers radiation from multiple fixed angles, adjusting the intensity of the radiation beams at each angle. VMAT's dynamic approach often provides more efficient and faster treatments compared to the static, multi-angle approach of IMRT.

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