Because cancers can occur anywhere in the body, a wide range of equipment is necessary for optimum management. These machines produce a wide spectrum of x-ray beams ranging in energy from 50 kilovolts to 24 million volts and a spectrum of electron beams ranging from 6 million to 24 million volts. Low energy x-rays and electrons are used for treating superficial tumors, such as skin cancers. The 25 MV linear accelerator at University Hospitals produces the most energetic beam in the state. Simulation Patients usually undergo simulation prior to starting radiotherapy.
Simulation is like a rehearsal for the actual treatments.
This rehearsal helps assure the radiation oncologist that the treatment will be given to the correct target volume. One is a conventional x-ray simulator which is a fluoroscopy unit arranged in the same configuration as the treatment machines. During simulation, the patient lies on the simulation table and the simulation therapist takes several x-ray images of the region targeted for irradiation. The radiation oncologist then studies these images to determine where and how to direct the radiation beam to best treat the patient's tumor. When a treatment arrangement has been selected, the area to be treated is marked on the patient's skin.