The Halcyon™ radiotherapy system is Varian’s latest cancer treatment device, supporting 3D conformal, intensity-modulated, image-guided radiation therapy, along with RapidArc® radiotherapy. Halcyon elevates patient care by simplifying and shortening the treatment process, delivering treatments in a fraction of the time conventional machines need. Halcyon accommodates high-quality treatment plans for various cancers, including brain, head and neck, prostate, lung, and breast cancers.

Halcyon enables clinics and hospitals to offer cutting-edge care in a uniquely patient-friendly environment. Its benefits include:

• Non-surgical treatments with no incisions and no healing time.
• Quick and efficient treatments, typically completed in about 10 minutes.
• A quiet, water-cooled system keeps the treatment room comfortable.
• Features like a spacious opening, ambient lighting, and a low couch position help maximize patient comfort during treatment.
• Integrated camera and intercom systems maintain communication between patients and therapists, enhancing safety and comfort.

Radiotherapy is a proven cancer treatment method used for decades. It limits cancer cell growth by damaging their DNA, preventing replication. Radiation is generated by a medical linear accelerator, which creates high-energy X-ray beams shaped to the tumor, maximizing the dose to the tumor while protecting healthy tissue.

No radioactive substances are involved. The radiation is produced when the linear accelerator is switched on and ceases when it’s turned off.

Radiotherapy treatment involves several steps:

• Diagnosis: Planning the individual treatment based on detailed diagnostic images.
• Treatment delivery: The patient is positioned for treatment, and images are taken to confirm the tumor’s size and location. Treatment is delivered through a multileaf collimator, which shapes the radiation beams. Treatments are quick, with the initial session taking longer to ensure accuracy.

Radiotherapy is usually administered daily over two to six weeks, depending on the diagnosis. Patients should consult their radiation oncologists for specific details.

No. External radiation therapy does not make the body radioactive, and there is no risk to others from close contact.

The cost varies by the type and number of treatments required. Most health insurance plans cover radiotherapy. Patients should discuss coverage options with their insurers or healthcare providers.