The high-tech "real-time MRI-guided radiotherapy system" at Tri-Service General Hospital resembles a futuristic space capsule, with its sleek white design complemented by purple and pink mood lighting. This cutting-edge equipment uses high-resolution MRI technology combined with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) to dynamically visualize tumors and soft tissues in real-time. It is particularly effective for tumors that are more visible with MRI, such as liver cancer, rectal cancer, benign or malignant brain tumors, early-stage breast cancer, and prostate cancer. The system will also be expanded to treat cancers that move with respiration, like lung cancer, liver cancer, and kidney cancer.
On October 13, Tri-Service General Hospital held the inauguration ceremony for Taiwan’s first "1.5T high-end MRI knife." Hospital Superintendent Yi-Jen Hung explained that this system integrates high-resolution MRI technology with IMRT to provide real-time visualization of tumors and soft tissues during both pre-treatment planning and during actual treatment. This allows for precise targeting of the tumor while maximizing protection of surrounding healthy tissues and organs. The system increases the safety, accuracy, and efficacy of radiotherapy, reduces side effects, and marks a revolutionary advancement in radiotherapy. The total investment for the equipment and facilities amounts to NT$500 million.
Radiation Oncology Department Director Lin Chun-Shu emphasized that existing image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) in Taiwan relies on computed tomography (CT), which exposes patients to additional radiation. In contrast, the 1.5T MRI knife uses diagnostic-grade MRI technology, which does not involve radiation, allowing for precise pre-treatment imaging and continuous real-time tumor monitoring during treatment. This technology is especially useful for tumors that are better visualized by MRI, such as liver cancer, rectal cancer, benign and malignant brain tumors, early-stage breast cancer, and prostate cancer. Following an upgrade at the end of this month, the machine will also treat cancers that move with breathing, such as lung cancer, liver cancer, and kidney cancer.
The "1.5T" refers to the magnetic field strength in "Tesla." Patients can undergo precision radiotherapy in just 1 to 5 short sessions, with higher doses of radiation delivered in each session. The system also integrates the latest AI technology to adjust the optimal radiation dosage daily, based on the tumor’s size as seen in the MRI scans. It also adjusts the radiation field in real-time, minimizing damage to surrounding organs, reducing side effects, and cutting down on the number of hospital visits required.
Yu-Fu Su, Director of the Radiation Oncology Department's Image-Guided Radiotherapy (IGRT) system, added that with conventional methods like CT or MRI, some alignment errors may occur, especially in areas like the pelvic cavity, where factors such as body shape or bladder fullness can affect the outcome. The 1.5T MRI knife can make real-time adjustments during treatment to correct such issues.
However, not all patients are suitable for this treatment. Su noted that patients with claustrophobia may struggle with the procedure due to the loud humming noise produced by the MRI. Additionally, patients with metal implants, such as steel pins, might experience positional shifts, making the treatment less effective.
Currently, 10 patients at Tri-Service General Hospital are receiving this precise treatment, including those with benign or malignant brain tumors, early-stage breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, rectal cancer, prostate cancer, and isolated metastatic cancers. One of these patients, a 54-year-old woman diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer, was concerned about potential heart-related side effects due to a history of heart disease. Additionally, her work commitments prevented her from taking extended leave. She opted for a highly targeted partial-breast radiotherapy using the MRI knife, completing the treatment in just five sessions over 10 days. The entire treatment process had minimal side effects, as the radiation was precisely targeted away from the heart, and no additional radiation from CT guidance was required, minimizing exposure to the heart and lungs.
Resource (mandarin): 三總砸5億元 「1.5T高階磁振刀」成腫瘤治療新武器
