Trilogy is a radiation machine that offers multi-treatment functionality and image-guided technology in one machine. According to the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, the Trilogy system allows radiation oncologists to track the movement of a tumor, both between treatments and during treatments, so that they can effectively deliver optimal radiation doses to the tumor and minimize the harm to nearby healthy tissues. This allows oncologists to use a variety of treatment options that can be catered to each patient's needs.
Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT)
The Trilogy machine has the ability to perform Image Guided Radiation Thearpy (IGRT) with dynamic targeting. This means it has the capability to track a tumor through multiple imaging processes allowing for precise delivery of the radiation, according to information provided by the Cancer Treatment Centers of America.
Trilogy has 2D radiographic, fluoroscopic and 3D cone beam CT (computed tomography) imaging. Having both the two-dimensional and three-dimensional capabilities allows the oncologist to see areas, especially in the head and neck region, that strictly two-dimensional machines can not find. The fluoroscope uses the X-ray along with a fluorescent screen to intensify the pictures.
This ability to track the precise location of the tumor means that fewer healthy cells are damaged, resulting in fewer side effects, higher doses of radiation can be delivered without risk of side effects and the tumor will shrink faster, meaning fewer treatments are necessary, according to doctors at Washington Hospital Center.
Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
Trilogy uses SmartBeam™ technology to precisely deliver three-dimensional radiation therapy. Treatment regimens at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America utilize the 3D imaging capabilities of the Trilogy machine to deliver the radiation in a way that exactly matches the shape of the tumor to decrease the size of the tumor faster. In addition, this treatment method allows the radiation oncologist to change the intensity of the radiation delivered as the shape of the tumor changes.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery
Stereotactic radiosurgery is the delivery of radiation to one tumor from a variety of different angles. This type of treatment is especially useful in treating brain tumors and other head and neck tumors that may be unreachable by traditional surgery. The Trilogy system delivers a 20 percent higher dose, according to Cancer Treatment Centers of America, which translates to fewer treatments.
Fractionated stereotactic radiation therapy is similar to stereotactic radiosurgery, but it delivers the radiation in smaller doses over several days.
