The Treatment Planning System (TPS) commissioning process for linear accelerators (linacs) is a critical phase in ensuring optimal performance and patient safety [1]. Traditional methods for treatment systems lacking a gold standard often demand extensive time and resources, with commissioning times reaching several weeks [2]. The CyberComm™ solution has emerged as a transformative approach that significantly enhances speed, accuracy, and efficiency, promising to cut commissioning times by up to 50%.
Addressing the Challenges
The American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) estimates that commissioning a photon energy system can take between 2 to 4 weeks [2]. For the CyberKnife System, which operates with a single energy (6 MV Flattening Filter Free) and may have multiple collimators, this process could extend to 3 to 6 weeks. This time-consuming process impacts both system availability and patient care. Accuray acknowledges these challenges and has taken proactive measures to address them.
Streamlining Commissioning with the CyberComm™ capabilities
By leveraging a hybrid Golden Beam Data model, the CyberComm solution streamlines the process, cutting commissioning time by up to 50% and enabling a quicker transition to patient treatment while maintaining the system’s high standards of accuracy. Compatible with the CyberKnife M6™ and S7™ Systems on fixed collimators, Iris Variable Aperture Collimators, and InCise™ Multileaf Collimators (MLC), the CyberComm™ initiative ensures that all CyberKnife linacs are twinned to a standardized beam data model, minimizing site-to-site variability and enhancing the reliability of treatment planning.
This streamlined approach not only reduces the time required for initial commissioning but also minimizes the duration when recommissioning is needed. As a result, clinics can maximize their system’s uptime and staff efficiency, allowing healthcare providers to focus more on patient care rather than prolonged data collection and system setup.
In addition to its technical prowess, the CyberComm™ components introduce a more efficient calibration for the Iris Variable Aperture Collimator, reducing the need for unnecessary re-commissioning during component drift or replacement, further enhancing system efficiency. This improvement is recognized and is being implemented for all Iris collimators worldwide.
The CyberComm™ solution is a transformative tool for clinics utilizing the CyberKnife® System. It simplifies and accelerates the commissioning process, enabling faster treatment start times, improved system efficiency, and consistent high-quality performance. As healthcare providers continue to seek ways to optimize operations and enhance patient care, the CyberComm™ tool stands out as a critical innovation that meets these needs with precision and speed. For initial commissioning and linac replacement, the CyberComm™ feature addresses the ‘Receipt to Treat’ demand, ensuring that patients receive timely and precise treatment. Additionally, the Acceptance Test Procedure (ATP) is considerably reduced thanks to the standardization brought by the CyberComm™ attributes, further enabling clinics to treat patients sooner. The introduction of the CyberComm™ innovation underscores Accuray commitment to improving patient outcomes through innovative technology.
For further information refer to the CyberKnife System key features and benefits: https://www.accuray.com/cyberknife/https://www.accuray.com/cyberknife/
Accuray Disclaimers
The CyberComm™ solution is available in all markets, with availability subject to regulatory clearance or approval in China.
Medical Advice Disclaimer
Accuray Incorporated as a medical device, the manufacturer cannot and does not recommend specific treatment approaches. Individual results may vary.
Safety Statement
https://www.accuray.com/safety-statement/
References:
(1) Das, I. J., Cheng, C.-W., Watts, R. J., Ahnesjö, A., Gibbons, J., Li, X. A., Lowenstein, J., Mitra, R. K., Simon, W. E., & Zhu, T. C. (2008). Accelerator beam data commissioning equipment and procedures: report of the TG-106 of the Therapy Physics Committee of the AAPM. Medical Physics, 35(9), 4186-4215.
https://doi.org/10.1118/1.2969070
(2) MPPG Report 5.a – AAPM Medical Physics Practice Guideline 5.a.: Commissioning and QA of Treatment Planning Dose Calculations — Megavoltage Photon and Electron Beams (2015).
Rémi Tannouri, Clinical Product Manager, joined Accuray in 2020. He brings a decade of experience as a Medical Physicist across various positions in academic and private centers in France. Rémi has a M.Sc. degree in Medical Physics and an engineering degree in Electronics.
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