Skip to content

Innovation & Technology

Innovation & Technology

CT Simulation (CT/SIM)
CT Simulation or CT/SIM is the foundation for accurate and effective radiation therapy. It is a critical step in your treatment planning process where detailed 3D images of the body are created to precisely map out the area of the body that needs to be treated with radiation. The CT/SIM ensures that your treatment is both safe and precise.

Why is the CT/SIM important?

  • Treatment Planning: The CT/SIM will create 3D images of your body in the exact position it will be in for radiation therapy.
  • Target Localization: It informs the radiation oncologist of the exact size, shape, and location of your tumor(s).
  • Organ-at-risk Mapping: The CT/SIM will also show healthy surrounding tissue and organs so the radiation oncologist can protect them as much as possible throughout your treatment.
  • Custom positioning: During the simulation, immobilization devices (like molds or masks) may be utilized to ensure you stay in the exact same position for every radiation therapy session.
  • Dose calculation: The CT/SIM helps inform dosimetrists and physicists in developing a personalized radiation therapy treatment plan that delivers the most accurate and effective dose of radiation to the tumor while minimizing risk to other areas of surrounding healthy tissue and organs.

Linear Accelerator (LINAC)
A linear accelerator or LINAC is the machine used to deliver external beam radiation therapy to treat cancer. High energy X-Rays, or electrons, are delivered safely and precisely to the exact part of the body where the cancer tumor is located. The LINAC is carefully programmed to target your tumor while rotating around you, without touching you, which allows the radiation to be delivered from different angles. The radiation therapy treatment is painless and does not make you radioactive.