- Patients
- Cancer treatments
- Radiotherapy
- MR linac
- MRIdian radiotherapy for rectal cancer
MRIdian radiotherapy for rectal cancer
Radiotherapy is an important part of treatment for rectal cancer (also known as bowel cancer) for many patients. MRI-guided radiotherapy delivered on the MRIdian is a unique form of radiotherapy that utilises more precise images of the tumour to focus radiotherapy delivery and spare the surrounding normal tissues.
Precision radiotherapy
We provide specialist cancer care that focuses on innovating the latest, evidence-based treatments from around the world. We’re proud to be the first healthcare provider in the UK to introduce the MRIdian MR linac. This smart radiation technology combines high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques with extremely precise radiotherapy beams that can treat tumours more accurately than conventional radiotherapy. This type of radiotherapy is called MRI-guided radiotherapy.
The MRIdian is considered ground-breaking because it’s able to turn on the radiation beam only when the rectal tumour is positioned precisely in the treatment window and turn off the beam in an instant if the tumour moves even by a fraction – helping to protect healthy tissue from unnecessary radiation exposure.
Benefits of MRIdian radiotherapy
The MRIdian allows clinicians to see as they treat with real-time MRI scans that show the exact position and shape of your rectal tumour while your treatment is happening, so it can target radiation at the tumour precisely
The precision targeting made possible on the MRIdian means patients can receive treatment for rectal cancer over shorter treatment schedules causing less interruption to their daily life.
The MRIdian is the only MR linac to have automated beam control, so if your tumour moves even slightly, your treatment will automatically pause until it comes back into position. This improves the accuracy of treatment and means the radiation beam is less likely to damage surrounding healthy tissue than with conventional radiotherapy, leading to fewer side effects and improved outcomes.
Enquire now about the MRIdian
To find out more about MRIdian radiotherapy for rectal cancer, contact us so that we can review your case and discuss your treatment options.
Side effects
Both surgery and radiotherapy carry risks of damage to the surrounding organs. The precision of MRIdian radiotherapy means you can expect these side effects to be reduced.
With the MRIdian, side effects are fewer and less severe than with conventional radiotherapy. However, you may still experience some of the following side effects.
You may experience these during your treatment course, but they’ll usually disappear within three to four weeks:
- Pain and cramping in the rectum
- Frequent bowel motions (diarrhoea)
- Urgency to open bowels
- Increased frequency of passing urine
- Lower back pain
- Red, dry or broken skin
- Tiredness
Pelvic radiotherapy can affect long term bowel, bladder and sexual function. In other cancer types such as prostate cancer, treatment on the MRIdian has been shown to reduce acute bladder and bowel toxicity. Research is ongoing into long-term side effects for rectal cancer.
It’s important that you attend your follow-up appointments so we can identify and treat any problems as soon as possible. Your consultants and radiographers can also provide advice about things you can try to help, and no question is too small if you have any queries or concerns.
Both surgery and radiotherapy carry risks of damage to the surrounding organs. The precision of MRIdian radiotherapy means you can expect these side effects to be reduced.
With the MRIdian, side effects are fewer and less severe than with conventional radiotherapy. However, you may still experience some of the following side effects.
We know that living with cancer can be challenging. That’s why you’ll also have access to integrated cancer care such as exercise medicine, psychological support and wellbeing therapies. These are provided to all our patients at no extra cost to you or your insurer and have been shown to reduce the burden of cancer and improve your quality of life outcomes after treatment.
What does MRIdian treatment involve?
Before your treatment starts, our team will give you all the information you need about the procedure, so you’ll know what to expect. Our aim is to make you as comfortable as possible throughout, as well as providing you with the support you need during your recovery.
Before starting treatment on the MRIdian, you’ll need a scan so that our team of experts can plan and create a personalised treatment plan.
The treatment itself is not painful. You’ll need to lie still, and you’ll be able to listen to music to help you relax. If you need to, you’ll be able to speak to the team treating you through an intercom. Each treatment session usually lasts around 45 minutes.
A key benefit of MRIdian radiotherapy is that it’s delivered in fewer sessions. For rectal cancer, treatment is delivered over five sessions. You can have one treatment session per day, so you will need to attend the centre every day (Monday to Friday) for one week only.
Find out more information about bowel cancer here.
The cutting-edge technology of the MRIdian has the potential to offer more effective treatment, with fewer side effects and improved outcomes
Patient stories
Our team of experts
At GenesisCare, our cancer service is delivered by a multi-disciplinary team of experts including clinical and medical oncologists, radiographers, specialist surgeons, medical physicists, clinical nurse specialists and therapists. Our team works together to understand your needs and provide the most appropriate treatment for your condition, supporting your throughout to get the best possible outcome.
Dr Kasia Owczarczyk
MBBS, MD (res), USLME, MRCP, FRCR (examination)
Clinical Oncologist
London Cromwell Hospital
Enquire now about the MRIdian
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.