Linear Accelerator
A linear accelerator, also known as a linear particle accelerator or LINAC, is the device most commonly used for external beam
radiation treatments for patients with
cancer. External beam radiation is radiation delivered by a machine from outside the body. In external beam radiation, the linear accelerator delivers a uniform dose of high-energy x-ray to the region of the patient's tumor. These x-rays are intended to shrink or destroy cancer cells, while doing minimal damage to the surrounding normal tissue.
Linear accelerators use powerful generators to create the high energy x-rays for the radiation therapy. They rely on microwave technology, similar to that found in radar, to accelerate electrons, and then smash these electrons into a heavy metal target. This collision results in high-energy x-rays being scattered from the target. These x-rays are collimated by the machine, forming a beam to match the shape of the area being treated. While the patient lies still, the beam of radiation is delivered to the tumor.
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Linear accelerators are run by radiation therapists. The accelerators are located in rooms with lead and concrete walls, so that the high-energy x-rays do not escape. The radiation therapist runs the accelerator from outside the treatment room. Modern radiation machines have certain safeguards to assure that the machine will not turn on until all the treatment requirements prescribed by the physician are met, and this prevents inadvertent exposure to radiation.
Because of the potential harm that an incorrectly calibrated linear accelerator could cause, a large emphasis is placed on quality control of the machine. There are several systems built into the accelerator which prevent it from delivering a higher dose of radiation than that prescribed by the doctor. Moreover, the radiation therapist makes daily checks with a piece of equipment called a "tracker" to ensure that the intensity of radiation is uniform across the beam.