Western Cape launches first-ever advanced radiation therapy system

Africa Melane interviews Marilyn Lameyer, Manager of the Netcare City Oncology Unit.

Listen below.

Oncology in the Western Cape is making significant strides with the introduction of the region’s first Align RT advanced marker-less patient tracking system, enhancing the delivery of radiation treatment.

This innovation marks a significant milestone in private sector Surface Guided Radiation Therapy (SGRT).

The system utilises fixed cameras within the treatment room to monitor patients’ skin surfaces in three dimensions.

This allows for precise setup and motion management throughout radiotherapy, ensuring accurate positioning and continuous monitoring during treatment.

As a result, radiation beams are precisely targeted, minimising exposure to surrounding healthy tissue while delivering the full therapeutic dose effectively.

Lameyer notes that this treatment has led to a 'remarkable' reduction in the time patients spend in the treatment room.

"The treatment can last up to six weeks."

- Marilyn Lameyer, Manager of the Oncology Unit – Netcare City

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.