 Stereotactic radiation therapy utilizes a system of three-dimensional coordinates in order to locate a pre-determined target for treatment. Stereotactic technique can use either an external, three-dimensional frame fixed directly to an immobilized patient or image guidance technology. The primary benefit of stereotactic treatment is its ability to locate small targets with great precision. Elekta has many years experience of stereotactic technique through its use in the practice of stereotactic surgery with Leksell Stereotactic System® and radiosurgery with Leksell Gamma Knife®. As long ago as the early 1990’s, Elekta wanted to extend the advantages of stereotactic accuracy into radiation therapy of other parts of the body. This resulted in the development of Stereotactic Body Frame®, which enables the target to be localized during diagnostic imaging and treatment. More accurate localization enables conformal treatments such as IMRT, dose escalation and hypo-fractionation to be performed with greater precision. | | The greater accuracy offered by stereotactic methodology facilitates hypo-fractionation, which is a key objective of stereotactic radiation therapy. This improved localization and patient positioning combined with organ stabilization through the use of Active Breathing Coordinator™, has clinical benefits for precision treatment in the thorax and abdomen. Although external frames and fixation are highly appropriate for targets such as the brain where organ location can be directly predicted via localization of bony anatomy, they encounter limitations when used extracranially. It is in this area where the imaging capabilities developed for Elekta Synergy® can be combined with our existing stereotactic expertise to develop a new clinical solution. Designed for spinal radiosurgery and stereotactic applications the innovative Elekta AXESSE™ combines sophisticated integrated imaging with remarkably high-resolution radiation delivery. Elekta AXESSE sets new standards of accuracy and therapeutic efficacy in extracranial stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT) and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) applications for spinal metastases and other radiosurgical indications. Modelled on the proven design of Elekta Synergy® S, Elekta AXESSE is an image-guided robotic linear accelerator that combines high-conformance beam shaping with our exclusive 4D Adaptive™ image guided radiation therapy (IGRT) technology for advanced stereotactic radiation treatments. Elekta AXESSE is work-in-progress and not for sale or distribution in all regions. Please contact your local Elekta representative or authorized distributor for further details. | |
