Linear Accelerators | Radiation Machines at ARC

At Advanced Radiation Centers (ARC), external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) is delivered using highly advanced machines called linear accelerators (Linacs). These machines are the backbone of modern radiation oncology, enabling the precise, targeted delivery of radiation to cancerous tissues while minimizing exposure to healthy structures.

Linacs are classified into three main platform types, each with unique capabilities:

  • Gantry-Based Linac Platforms
  • Ring-Based Linac Platforms
  • Robotic-Arm Mounted (RAM) Linac Platforms

Each platform supports various treatment techniques, including SBRT (Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy), SRS (Stereotactic Radiosurgery), IMRT (Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy), VMAT (Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy), IGRT (Image-Guided Radiation Therapy), and 3DCRT (3D Conformal Radiation Therapy). RAM platforms are generally limited to SBRT, SRS, and select IMRT treatments due to their specialized configuration.

Our Commitment to Leading Technology

There are currently only three major manufacturers of radiation oncology linear accelerators worldwide:

  • Varian (a Siemens Healthineers company)
  • Elekta
  • Accuray

ARC works closely with all three to ensure we offer a full spectrum of industry-leading technologies across our treatment centers. Our equipment represents the cutting edge of precision, speed, and patient comfort.

Examples: Varian Clinac, Trilogy, TrueBeam | Elekta Versa, Harmony

These are the most versatile and widely used radiation machines. The gantry rotates around the patient, delivering radiation from multiple angles to conform the dose precisely to the tumor’s shape.

Key benefits:

  • Support for multiple advanced techniques: SBRT, SRS, IMRT, VMAT, IGRT, and 3DCRT
  • Photon (X-ray) and electron (beta particle) capabilities
  • Designed for maximum flexibility in treating a wide range of cancers
  • Engineered for efficiency and comfort, enabling shorter treatment times

Popular models at ARC include:

  • Varian’s Clinac®, Trilogy®, and TrueBeam®
  • Elekta’s Versa HD™ and Harmony®

Examples: Varian Halcyon, Ethos | Accuray TomoTherapy

These machines have a fixed ring structure and deliver radiation in a continuous 360° arc around the patient. Their design allows for fast, automated treatment workflows and exceptional precision.

Advantages include:

  • Streamlined setup and shorter treatment times
  • Enhanced imaging and dose delivery integration
  • Ideal for treating complex tumor shapes with high efficiency

Systems like Halcyon® emphasize speed and simplicity, while Ethos™ incorporates adaptive therapy, adjusting treatments in real-time based on daily imaging.

Example: Accuray CyberKnife

Introduced in 1994, the CyberKnife® was the first radiation delivery system to use a robotic arm for unparalleled flexibility in beam positioning. Unlike traditional Linacs, CyberKnife does not rely on gantry rotation or cone-beam imaging.

What sets CyberKnife apart:

  • Sub-millimeter accuracy, ideal for small or moving targets (brain, spine, lung)
  • Fiducial marker-based tracking, eliminating the need for conventional IGRT
  • Exclusively used for SRS, SBRT, and select IMRT treatments

At ARC, our breadth of linear accelerator platforms ensures that each patient receives the most appropriate, precise, and comfortable treatment for their unique diagnosis. By continuously investing in advanced equipment and working with top manufacturers, we uphold our mission to deliver world-class cancer care—close to home.