Precision radiotheraphy
At GenesisCare we’re proud to be the first healthcare provider in the UK to introduce the MRIdian – a state-of-the-art radiotherapy machine that delivers a type of treatment called stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR).
The MRIdian combines a powerful radiotherapy machine (called a linear accelerator or linac) with MRI technology to produce live, detailed images of your internal organs and tissues during treatment (this is referred to as MRI-guided) so clinicians can see as they treat.
It also has the unique functionality of being able to turn on the radiation beam only when the tumour is positioned precisely in the treatment window and turn off the beam in an instant if the tumour moves by a fraction. This helps protect healthy tissue from unnecessary radiation leading to fewer side effects. No other radiotherapy technology in the UK is currently able to achieve this.
We’ve successfully treated many hundreds of patients with different types of cancer and MRIdian MRI-guided radiotherapy can now be used to treat patients with locally advanced cervical cancer
Benefits of the MRIdian
Real time images for accurate targeting
The MRIdian shows the exact position and shape of your cervical tumour while your treatment is happening, and if your tumour temporarily moves slightly out of position, your treatment will automatically pause. This helps to protect healthy tissues from damage and allows a higher dose to be delivered.
Reduced side effects
The exceptional accuracy of the MRIdian means that the radiation beam is less likely to damage surrounding healthy tissue than with conventional radiotherapy. If healthy tissue is damaged, side effects may occur which can be short term or longer lasting.
Treatment within days not weeks
Eligible patients can have treatment delivered in just five treatment sessions over five alternate days meaning less interruption to their normal daily life.
The MRIdian for cervical cancer treatment
MRIdian MRI-guided radiotherapy is a new cervical cancer treatment option.
The standard treatment for patients with locally advanced cervical cancer is a combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, also known as chemoradiotherapy. This is usually followed by a treatment called brachytherapy boost, which is a type of radiotherapy given internally. Sometimes though, it’s not possible to receive a brachytherapy boost. For example, this might be due to the position of your tumour or because of another condition.
If you’re unable to have brachytherapy, MRIdian MRI-guided radiotherapy may be an option for you to deliver the radiotherapy boost. Treatment delivered on the MRIdian is less invasive than brachytherapy, is an out-patient treatment, and side effects may be less severe than those associated with brachytherapy.
The MRIdian is available at our centres in Oxford and Cromwell Hospital in London. Your cancer specialist can refer you for a consultation. We’re recognised by all major insurers and we’ll help you with transport depending on treatment and locations, when required.
What to expect
If you have locally advanced cervical cancer and are unable to receive brachytherapy, your doctor can refer your case to our expert team for review. MRIdian MRI-guided radiotherapy as an alternative to a brachytherapy boost should be delivered within 56 days of the start of your chemoradiotherapy and ideally within 50 days, so we’ll assess your case without delay.
Our multi-disciplinary team of oncologists, radiographers and technicians will assess whether MRIdian MRI-guided radiotherapy may be suitable for you.
Planning appointment
Planning appointment
You'll have an MRI scan five weeks after the start of your chemoradiotherapy to plan your radiotherapy treatment. You'll need to complete the first phase of your chemoradiotherapy before having the boost
Your treatment
Your treatment
Treatment will typically take place over five sessions on alternate days. Each session should last around one hour, and you can go straight home after each treatment session.
Your follow-up
Your follow-up
You'll have a follow-up MRI scan three months after your treatment. We'll also continue to keep in touch with you for three years so we can monitor any side effects that may develop and help you manage them.
Side effects
As with any radiotherapy, MRIdian MRI-guided radiotherapy can cause side effects. These can affect people in different ways and not everyone experiences the same side effects. We’ll explain any likely side effects before you start your treatment and help you manage any that do develop.
One of the most common side effects of radiotherapy is tiredness. This tends to improve in the weeks after your treatment is completed.
Your skin can become red and sore in the treatment area, or it may become darker or discoloured if you have brown or black skin. We can help you manage this with specialist creams, dressings and pain management if required.
Treatment of the cervix can also affect the bladder, rectum and bowel in particular. You may experience some diarrhoea during treatment. There is a risk of long-term bowel side effects.
Radiotherapy can cause inflammation of the bladder. This can lead to symptoms such as a stinging feeling when you pass urine, needing to pass urine more often or sometimes blood in the urine.
Most side effects will improve shortly after your treatment ends. Other side effects may develop in the months after treatment. We’ll continue to be available to offer you all the support you'll need during this time, helping you to get back to your normal life.
Integrative cancer care
To help you manage side effects we provide our cancer patients with an optional, tailored exercise programme developed by our physiotherapists to help you manage the physical and emotional challenges of cancer treatment.
Through our partnership with the charity Penny Brohn UK, you can also access a range of complementary, wellbeing and lifestyle therapies to help you feel your best through your treatment and beyond.
Integrative cancer care is now widely seen by international cancer experts as a key part of recovery and survivorship.
Expert teams at GenesisCare
At GenesisCare our radiotherapy treatments are delivered by our expert teams of doctors, radiotherapists, physicists, nurses and other professionals. We understand that receiving treatment for cancer can be a very stressful time. Our multi-disciplinary teams work together to provide the best care possible, whilst helping you to continue to lead as normal a life as possible.
Reviewed by:
Dr Victoria McFarlane
July 2023
