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Anyone here use Varian RapidArc ?

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Prostate Cancer
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Posted 4/16/2012 3:19 PM (GMT 0)
I'm considering using Varian RapidArc instead of regular IMRT.

Would like to hear from others here that have used the RapidArc therpy for prostate cancer, and how you liked it and if works better then regular IMRT.

Thanks,

Bob

Posted 4/16/2012 4:06 PM (GMT 0)
I used a Varian RapidArc. Finished Sept 2011. It is a sophisticated machine. So far, no SEs beyond two weeks after I finished. It is a good choice for external radiation.
Posted 4/16/2012 4:28 PM (GMT 0)
I used the Varian, after researching an assortment of alternatives.

I really cannot compare.

The sessions were quick.

I did have some problems, but frankly I fault my RO.

They emphasized that I should drink water before getting on the table.

But I kept getting a miserable burning feeling that would last for 1-12 hours. It finally dawned on me that I should perhaps finish my water jug 20-30 minutes earlier. I had been chugging the water just before getting on the table. The technicians and the RO knew that but never suggested anything other than that. When I made the change it made a difference.

I do have some bowel and urinary issues (very minor urgency, but nothing major so far) that I suspect are delayed SE.

Hard to say.

Again, from my research, Varian Rapid Arc was the best choise

Mel

Posted 4/16/2012 4:56 PM (GMT 0)
I used it.  Sessions were very quick, with the only real side effect being fatigue.
Posted 4/16/2012 5:13 PM (GMT 0)
The clinic I went to used Varian equipment. It felt like I spent more time changing clothes than lying on the table. My RO wasn't too concerned about how much water I drank before - just that I didn't come in completely dry. I'd drink about 20 oz about an hour before and that seemed to work fine for me.

Fatigue and bowel issues were the worst of it for me.

I can't really say if one make of equipment is better than another. I've felt that it has more to do with the skill of your doctor and the technicians running the daily treatments - just a subjective comment I know.
Posted 4/16/2012 5:56 PM (GMT 0)
You would do better to concentrate on the skill and experience of the radiologist as opposed to the equipment being used. Most modern equipment will deliver dose and accurracy effectively and safely. The biggest variable is the skill of the radiologist.
Posted 4/16/2012 6:45 PM (GMT 0)
I second JohnT's suggestion. Make sure that the ro and staff has done a minimum of 250 prostate cancer patients. The ro, physicist, and technicians are far more important than whether the machine is a Varian, Electa, or whatever else is out there. The only thing the Varian does is that the arm rotates continuously rather than stopping at each position.

All machines are vulnerable to missuse. Ask the ro how frequently they recalibrate the machine, how frequently they will run a fesh scan on your prostate for positioning, and how often you will be checked by the ro.
Posted 4/17/2012 1:36 AM (GMT 0)
Hi all:

Thanks for your posts.

I went to the facility today that has the RapidArc to get more information to get a little information on their facility.  I even set up a consultation for this comming Wed.

Their facility and equipment is about a year old.  So they havn't had time to do many prostate procedures or many other radiation procedures for that matter.  With that short time in operation, I'm worried that they just don't have that much experience in using their radiation equipment, especially for prostate cancer.  The one lady that worked there said they don't have that many prostate cancer cases.  And they are the only facility around that I could find that has the RapidArc equipment. 

So I guess I'll stick with the facility that I located last week that does only prostate cancer radiation...but it is with IMRT...not the newer RapidArc.  I figure the expertise of the people operating the equipment is the most important thing.

I forgot to mention that my prostate has already been taken out on Dec 2011.  I'm on Lupron.  I have to get radiation of the prostate bed to be sure that all the bad cells are killed.  I guess they will radiate the prostate bed in addition to part of the rectum and lower part of the bladder, since they were so close to the prostate.

Thank you all for your posts on this,

Bob

Post Edited (BobY777) : 4/16/2012 7:42:58 PM (GMT-6)

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