The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre has taken delivery of a second Varian Halycon linear accelerator (linac) with Hypersight imaging, allowing even more patients to access to the latest technology in radiotherapy treatment.
Treatment times are faster on the Halcyon and the Hypersight imaging technology enhances the quality of images taken during treatment courses. Clinical teams can use these images to adjust treatment plans, potentially saving further planning scans and reducing delays to treatment.
Another benefit of the Halycon is a quieter and less intimidating treatment experience for patients, as the machine is more like a CT scanner, delivering treatment through an O-shaped ring rather than a rotating arm. It also uses less electricity which is good for the environment.
The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre’s expert medical physics and radiotherapy teams will spend the next couple of months installing, commissioning and carrying out vital technical preparations before the second Halcyon begins treating patients. It is expected to be in service from March 2026.
This new treatment machine has been made possible thanks to a £2.9million grant from the National Radiotherapy Replacement Fund.
The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre is one of the UK’s leading and largest radiotherapy providers, with linacs at three sites in Aintree, Liverpool and Wirral, delivering almost 90,000 treatment fractions a year – more than almost any other hospital nationally.
Louise Bagley, Physics General Manager, said:
“We’re delighted that our second Halycon linac has now arrived.
“It will allow us to further increase capacity and treat more patients, provides us with opportunities for research as well as offering an improved experience. It’s another exciting development for radiotherapy treatment at Clatterbridge.”
