A novel approach to more efficacious radiation therapy–combining a linear accelerator that delivers highly precise radiation therapy with MRI technology, commonly referred to as an MR-linac–has opened minds to what could be the next stage in the evolution of cancer treatment. MRI enables continuous imaging of soft tissue and creates a more sharply focused target for radiation therapy, allowing more precise monitoring of radiation dose and delivery. Still, with any new technology–as well as with any idea considered to be game changing–value needs to be demonstrated. So far, physicians who have hands-on experience with MR-linacs say the real-time view of a cancerous tumor’s shifts in response to a patient’s basic body functions is proving its value.

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