MR Linac
St Georges Cancer Care Centre is home to New Zealand’s first and only MRI guided Linear Accelerator (MR Linac). MRI guided radiation therapy is one of the most promising recent technological advancements seen in radiation therapy practices. Due to the increased imaging offered by the machine, we can be confident to deliver higher doses of radiation, adjusting for the size, position and shape of lesions, reducing side effects for patients.
The integration of MRI with treatment machines has been driven by superior soft tissue contrast, organ motion visualisation and the ability to monitor tumour motion and physiological changes.
State of the art facility, world-leading technology.
MR Linac information
Radiation therapy has long been considered one of the main choices for conventional cancer treatment. With approximately 25,000 New Zealanders diagnosed with cancer every year, about half of these will have radiation therapy as a part of their treatment.
MRI guided radiation therapy is one of the most promising recent technological advancements seen in radiation therapy practices. The integration of MRI with treatment machines has been driven by superior soft tissue contrast, organ motion visualisation and the ability to monitor tumour motion and physiological changes.
Traditional radiation therapy involves one treatment plan, delivered over several treatments with daily conebeam CT imaging. With MRI guided radiation therapy, it is now possible to create daily treatment plans considering the anatomical changes highlighted by the MRI. This also eliminates any extra radiation exposure required for imaging, compared to conventional CT guided treatment.
Enhanced soft tissue imaging combined with daily adaptive treatment planning takes modern radiation therapy to new heights. It allows for decreased margins and ultimately preserves more surrounding healthy tissue, reducing side effects experienced by patients. The increased image quality will create treatment pathways for patients in New Zealand where previously radiation may not have been an option.
How do I get treated on the MR Linac?
The MR Linac is most suitable for soft tissue cancers, particularly those in the abdomen and pelvis. To determine your suitability for radiation on the MR Linac, we will require a referral to one of our radiation oncologists from your GP or medical specialist. Please click the link below to learn more about the referral process.