Fighting Cancer with an EDGE

When it comes to fighting cancer with radiation, patients want the latest technology available. That’s offered today in Lincoln at Cancer Partners of Nebraska. The Varian Edge is an advanced linear accelerator (LINAC) that uses focused radiation beams to treat a wide range of cancers, including brain, spine, neck, chest, lung, prostate, pancreas and liver.

The Edge offers patients fewer, less invasive treatments. Radiosurgery delivers higher doses of radiation faster with no anesthesia, cutting or a hospital stay. It uses extreme precision that targets tumors with sub-millimeter accuracy (450 microns). Its real-time surface tracking, like GPS for the body, reduces damage to surrounding tissue and minimizes side effects.

Radiosurgery opens the door for patients who may not have other options. For example, they may not be candidates for traditional surgery or even conventional radiotherapy. Radiosurgery gives medical professionals new tools to treat more types of cancer and other conditions.

Treatments on the Edge system are fast and precise, about 15-20 minutes. Shorter treatment time leads to less interruption of patients’ daily lives. The Edge linear accelerator will move to the April Sampson Cancer Center late this year.