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Varian Trilogy Rapid Arc

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Posted 11/1/2010 12:02 AM (GMT 0)
Has anyone heard of the Varian Trilogy Rapid Arc system for the delivery of radiatioon therapy?  My understanding is that it is relatively new, and uses a cat scan to direct the therapy real time.  I am curious if anyone has been treated with this system or heard anything negative or positive?
Posted 11/1/2010 12:17 AM (GMT 0)
Hopefully "Compiler" will chime in here, I think he has been investigating Varian Trilogy Rapid Arc system. There is a thread only a few days ago, on this subject. Perhaps have a look back. Thread started by Compiler................Cheers Kev
Posted 11/1/2010 1:12 AM (GMT 0)
See

https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=35&m=1934785

This was a general discussion a few days ago.

Posted 11/1/2010 4:01 AM (GMT 0)
Here is Varian's sales pitch..

www.varian.com/media/oncology/products/clinac/pdf/RapidArc_Brochure_2008.pdf

Post Edited (Fairwind) : 10/31/2010 10:05:45 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 11/1/2010 12:14 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the responses. Now if we can just talk someone in this area into buying one.  Will keep checking the other posts.

Mr. Bill

Posted 11/1/2010 1:36 PM (GMT 0)
I hope to know a little more after an appointment with an RO at a local facility that has the RapidArc later this week. The Varian website listed it as the only place around here with the RapidArc, but they're not listed as having the Trilogy. I'm wondering if that means they use the RapidArc with a conventional machine that won't offer 360 degree radiation.
Posted 11/1/2010 4:07 PM (GMT 0)
Varian: VAR-NYSE. Share price 7/09, $35. 7/10, $55. Today $63..

We missed the boat...
Posted 11/1/2010 9:34 PM (GMT 0)
I think that I may have had radiation treatments over the summer with this system. The machine used was a varian. The machine went all the way around me zapping me 9 times.
Posted 11/1/2010 10:23 PM (GMT 0)
Mr. Bill:

Yes, I saw a presentation. It looks like I am heading that way. Their big push is fewer side effects. That's a very compelling argument. Supposedly more precise.

I believe the "traditional" stops 7 times and this is continuous.

Mel

Posted 11/1/2010 11:57 PM (GMT 0)
Mel,
This is something I think I would like to find more out about. It sounds promising. The big thing is finding one in this area. Rozwell in Buffalo has one, but they rank 33 in cancer treatment. Not sure if Cleveland Clinic has one. I am reluctannt to be "the first on my block," unless, of course, the have a factory rep. behind the wheel. Please let me know how you make out.

Bill
Posted 11/2/2010 1:40 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

I'm in Kansas City and my Urology Group has a Varian RapidArc. I'm scheduled for IMRT starting mid-January. The Oncologist stated that they have between 40 to 50 men a day getting treatments year around.

This probably covers all of east Kansas and western Missouri. Anyway, my PSA doubled in six months.

Posted 11/2/2010 11:29 PM (GMT 0)

hb2006 said...
Hi

I'm in Kansas City and my Urology Group has a Varian RapidArc. I'm scheduled for IMRT starting mid-January. The Oncologist stated that they have between 40 to 50 men a day getting treatments year around.

This probably covers all of east Kansas and western Missouri. Anyway, my PSA doubled in six months.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3a4uiO9wyo

Glad to hear that "Everythings up to date in Kansas City"  lol ....sorry too much free time...

Posted 11/3/2010 2:03 AM (GMT 0)
Due to the location of where I live and work in CT, I only have two choices of where I could receive my SRT treatments. First is Yale and the second is Hospital of Saint Raphael (both in New Haven). Yale uses Varian, but they don't have the Rapid Arc and St. Raphael doesn't use Varian at all, as far as I know.

TB
Posted 11/24/2010 3:00 PM (GMT 0)
I went in for my initial CT and to make the mold for my RapidArc treatment on Monday. Next Monday I go in for my trial run and I'm sure the 7-week run of treatments will start soon after.

Many thanks to those on this forum who have offered great information about my choices, especially to Fairwinds who gave me the heads up about the Varian technology.
Posted 11/24/2010 4:19 PM (GMT 0)
Pog:

Can you describe what was involved in your appointment?

I will probably be next!

Mel

Posted 11/24/2010 5:42 PM (GMT 0)
I will probably be after you.

Mr Bill

Posted 11/24/2010 9:34 PM (GMT 0)
Guys:

I was reading online today and came across this article, dated last March. I remembered that this discussion was currently running, and thought I'd post the link in case it helped anyone make a decision about Rapid Arc. I did notice the word 'Varian' was not in the text.

The article indicates that the benefits may depend upon the planned target volumes.

http://www.prostateline.com/86824?itemId=8842009

Hope it helps. If not, ignore!

Juliet
Posted 11/24/2010 10:22 PM (GMT 0)
Gee, it's not quite as glowing as other articles indicating that Rapid Arc  is superior in terms of SEs.

These articles never mention SRT. They always assume the prostate is still there.

Mel

Posted 11/25/2010 3:11 PM (GMT 0)
Mel and Mr Bill,
I was taken to radiology for my CT and they had a black plastic bag on the table. They mixed a solution they described as simlar to foaming insulation and poured it into the bag, then positioned me on top to let the mold foam up under me. It only rises a few inches at most. They need contrast in the bladder and colon, so they inserted caths in both ends, then proceeded with the CT. That's it. The only rough part was the cath in front, that left me sore for awhile.
Posted 11/25/2010 3:25 PM (GMT 0)
Holy cow-- they never said anything about a catheter.

Is this typical?

Mel

Posted 11/25/2010 4:46 PM (GMT 0)
Mel,

Probably is typical. Maybe the type of equipment.  Yuck. At least they do not leave it in for 10 days.  Could be one of those "did I forget to mention" things.

Mr. Bill

Posted 11/25/2010 5:09 PM (GMT 0)
They never mentioned anything like that.

Darn.

Did they tell you that?

Mel

Posted 11/25/2010 5:13 PM (GMT 0)
Not a word.  Of course I have not got into any detail regarding RT. 
Posted 11/26/2010 2:05 AM (GMT 0)
The cath was the one part the annoyed me. They were careful to tell me about and show me the small tube going in the back, but the one in the front came without any warning. I didn't appreciate that. Perhaps their theory was that it would have been harder to insert if I was tensed up?
Posted Yesterday 11:52 PM (GMT 0)
One thing I neglected to mention. I figured when they did my CT that I'd be getting the tattoo dots I've heard about. Turns out they don't do that at the hospital where my radiation is being done. Instead they use a permanent marker, then cover it with clear tape to protect the ink. They said if necessary they touch up the marks during the treatment.
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