Second Radiotherapy Linear Accelerator Commissioned at Buchholz Hospital in Germany

The second medical linear accelerator for cancer radiotherapy at Buchholz Hospital in the North Heath region of Germany has been commissioned. The device was activated by the hospital's radiotherapy department under the direction of Chief Physician Dr. Günter·Bohlen, marking a further enhancement of local oncological radiotherapy capabilities.

The management of Buchholz Hospital and Winsen Hospital, Dr. Franziska·von·Brunnig (third from right) and Dr. Martin·Meyer (first from right), together with Chief Physician Dr. Günter·Bohlen (second from right) and the radiotherapy team, posed for a photo at the official commissioning ceremony of the second linear accelerator at Buchholz Hospital. Photo: Buchholz-Winsen Hospital

According to available information, Buchholz Hospital had previously commissioned its first linear accelerator of the same model, laying the foundation for the modernization of radiotherapy and individualized cancer treatment in the Harburg district. With the commissioning of this second device, the hospital can now flexibly arrange patient treatment plans between the two high-end machines, while improving operational reliability and reducing the need for patients to travel to Hamburg and other cities for specialized radiotherapy.

The new device employs high-energy stereotactic photon radiation, enabling millimeter-precision irradiation of malignant tumors while protecting surrounding healthy tissue as much as possible. According to the hospital, depending on the condition, the average irradiation time per patient session is approximately 5 to 10 minutes. The device can also be combined with surface scanning technology for efficient and highly precise monitoring of patient positioning and radiation dose, enhancing the stability and comfort of the treatment process.

Staff of the radiotherapy department noted that this technology can be used to treat smaller tumor lesions, such as lung tumor cells, while minimizing the impact on surrounding tissue. The first linear accelerator previously commissioned is also equipped with a 6D treatment table, which, thanks to its special rotational functions, enables more precise radiotherapy for tumors in the head region.

During the approximately 18 months of major renovation and equipment installation, the hospital maintained patient treatment services through a two-shift system. Hospital management stated that the commissioning of the two advanced linear accelerators represents a significant investment in the oncological care system of the Harburg district and in the future development of Buchholz Hospital.