Linear Accelerator and Radiotherapy Machine: Features, Benefits, Price and Financing Options

Explore all about the definition, types, prices and financing options for linear accelerator machine.
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3 min
24 February 2026

Radiotherapy machines, particularly Linear Accelerators (LINAC), play a crucial role in modern cancer treatment by delivering high-energy radiation to destroy tumours while minimising damage to healthy tissue. This guide explains what LINAC machines are, how they function, and their applications in treating different types of cancer. It also covers advanced techniques such as IGRT, IMRT, SRS, and VMAT, highlighting their main features and benefits. Additionally, readers will learn about the types of machines, key components, costs, and financing options in India, helping healthcare providers make informed decisions and enhance cancer care.

What is radiotherapy machine?

A radiotherapy machine, most often a Linear Accelerator (LINAC), is a medical device used in oncology to treat cancer by directing high-energy X-ray or electron beams at tumour cells. These machines rotate around the patient without physical contact, targeting and destroying cancerous tissue with precision while protecting the surrounding healthy tissue.

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Applications of Linear Accelerator Machine

The Linear Accelerator (LINAC) machine stands as a pivotal technology in the field of oncology, offering a multitude of applications in cancer treatment.

  • External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT): Linear accelerators deliver high-energy X-rays or electrons with precision to target and destroy cancerous tumours while sparing surrounding healthy tissues.
  • Treatment of various cancers: LINAC machines are utilised in the treatment of a wide range of cancers, including brain, lung, prostate, and breast cancers, among others.
  • Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) and Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT): LINAC machines enable highly precise and concentrated doses of radiation to be delivered to tumours in fewer sessions, enhancing treatment outcomes and symptom relief.
  • Versatility and adaptability: LINAC machines offer versatility and adaptability to cater to the diverse needs of cancer patients, making them integral components of modern radiotherapy departments.
  • Improved quality of life and prognosis: By providing advanced radiation therapy techniques with pinpoint accuracy, LINAC machines contribute to improving the quality of life and prognosis for cancer patients.

Features of Linear Accelerator Machine

The Linear Accelerator (LINAC) machine boasts several advanced features that make it a cornerstone technology in the field of oncology.

  • Advanced imaging systems: LINAC machines are equipped with sophisticated imaging systems, such as CT scanners or cone-beam CT, enabling precise tumour localisation and treatment planning.
  • Precision treatment delivery: Modern LINAC machines offer advanced treatment techniques like Intensity- Radiation Therapy (IMRT) and Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT), ensuring accurate delivery of radiation to target tumours while minimising exposure to healthy tissues.
  • Versatility: LINAC machines are designed to treat a wide range of cancers, and they can adapt treatment plans to meet the evolving needs of patients throughout their care journey.
  • Personalised treatment: With their advanced features, LINAC machines allow for personalised treatment delivery tailored to each patient's unique anatomy and tumour characteristics, enhancing treatment efficacy and minimising side effects.
  • Enhanced treatment outcomes: The cutting-edge features of LINAC machines contribute to improved treatment outcomes and overall quality of care for cancer patients, making them essential tools in oncology.

How does a linear accelerator machine work?

The ion source emits a stream of electrons, which are accelerated towards the first drift tube due to the negative potential of the electrons and the positive potential of the drift tube. When the electrons enter the first drift tube, the RF source shifts its polarity. As a result, the first drift tube becomes negatively charged, and the second drift tube becomes positively charged. The electrons exit the first drift tube due to inertia and are simultaneously repelled by it and attracted to the second drift tube, propelling them forward in the same direction.

As the electrons accelerate, their velocity increases, causing them to cover longer distances in the same time. This necessitates longer drift tubes as the electrons approach the target to account for their higher velocity. Achieving very high velocities requires longer and more numerous drift tubes, which, in turn, makes the linear accelerator (linac) significantly longer.

Types of linear accelerator machines

Linear Accelerator (LINAC) machines come in several types, each designed for specific radiotherapy needs. Common types include:

  1. Conventional LINAC

    • Delivers uniform high-energy X-rays or electron beams.

    • Suitable for basic external beam radiotherapy treatments.

  2. 3D Conformal Radiotherapy (3D-CRT) LINAC

    • Uses imaging to shape radiation beams to match the tumour’s three-dimensional shape.

    • Minimises exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.

  3. Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT) LINAC

    • Adjusts the intensity of the radiation beam across multiple angles.

    • Allows higher doses to the tumour while reducing dose to healthy tissue.

  4. Image-Guided Radiotherapy (IGRT) LINAC

    • Combines imaging technology with LINAC to track tumour movement in real time.

    • Ensures highly accurate targeting, especially for tumours affected by breathing or movement.

  5. Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) / Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) LINAC

    • Delivers very high doses of radiation to small, precise targets in one or a few sessions.

    • Commonly used for brain and lung tumours.

  6. Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) LINAC

    • Delivers radiation in a continuous arc around the patient.

    • Reduces treatment time while maintaining precision and sparing healthy tissue.

  7. Electron LINAC

    • Specialises in electron beam therapy for treating superficial tumours like skin cancers.

Benefits of radiation therapy machines

Radiation therapy machines offer several key benefits in the treatment of cancer, including:

Steps and key components to generate high-energy photons:

  • Electron generation component: Directs and introduces electrons into the accelerating waveguide.

  • Electron acceleration component: Accelerates electrons to near-light speed.

  • Beam transport system: Transfers high-speed electrons to the target area.

  • Ionisation chambers, collimators, and flattening filters: Shape and modify the radiation beam before treatment.

Additional accessories used in linear accelerator operation:

  • Radiofrequency generator: Produces electromagnetic waves for electron acceleration.

  • Pulse modulator: Sends timed energy pulses to the RF generator and electron gun.

  • Control panel: Interface used to operate and manage the linear accelerator's functions.

These benefits highlight the importance and effectiveness of radiation therapy machines in modern oncology, offering patients targeted and personalised treatment options.

Radiation therapy machine and linear accelerator (LINAC) prices ranges according to types

Higher costs are largely due to advanced imaging and precision capabilities, such as IGRT (Image-Guided Radiotherapy) and VMAT (Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy).

Technology Type

Description

Estimated Price Range

Entry-Level / Low Energy

Basic machines used for standard 3D-CRT (Conformal Radiotherapy).

Rs. 10 Lakh – Rs. 1 Crore

Mid-Range / Advanced

High-energy systems capable of IMRT, VMAT, and basic IGRT.

Rs. 3 Crore – Rs. 15 Crore

Specialised / High-End

Precision systems designed for SRS (Stereotactic Radiosurgery), SBRT, and MR-LINAC.

Rs. 16 Crore – Rs. 20+ Crore


Financing options to buy a linear accelerator machine in India

For healthcare providers seeking financing options to acquire a linear accelerator machine, Bajaj Finance offers specialised medical equipment loans. Bajaj Finance provides flexible loan options tailored to the needs of medical institutions, enabling the purchase of advanced medical equipment like linear accelerators with ease. As eligibility depending on factors such as the applicant’s professional background and financial stability, it's important to review the medical equipment finance eligibility criteria before applying. With competitive interest rates and customisable repayment terms, Bajaj Finance ensures that healthcare facilities can access the latest technology without financial strain. When evaluating the total cost of borrowing, understanding the applicable medical equipment finance interest rate and related charges becomes crucial for effective financial planning. The streamlined application process and quick approval turnaround make Bajaj Finance’s medical equipment loans an ideal choice for financing linear accelerator machines, empowering healthcare providers to enhance their treatment capabilities and deliver superior patient care.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the exploration of linear accelerators and radiotherapy machines underscores the critical role of advanced medical technology in cancer treatment. These machines offer precise and targeted therapy options that can significantly improve patient outcomes and quality of life. The diverse range of radiation therapy machines, from LINACs to CyberKnife systems, highlights the continual advancements in oncology and the importance of tailored treatment approaches.

Moreover, leveraging financing options like medical equipment loans enables healthcare providers to acquire cutting-edge technologies without upfront financial burdens. This accessibility ultimately translates into enhanced treatment capabilities and better patient care. For healthcare professionals seeking financial support, Bajaj Finserv doctor loan Programme offers additional resources to empower medical institutions in their pursuit of excellence.

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Frequently asked questions

What equipment is used in radiotherapy?
Radiotherapy utilises specialised equipment such as linear accelerators (LINACs), gamma knife radiosurgery units, proton therapy systems, and brachytherapy machines. These devices deliver targeted radiation to cancerous tumours while minimising damage to healthy tissues.
How much is a radiotherapy machine?
The cost of a radiotherapy machine varies depending on the type and model. Prices can range from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars for advanced systems like linear accelerators (LINACs) or proton therapy machines.
Who operates a radiotherapy machine?
Radiotherapy machines are operated by trained radiation therapists and medical physicists. These healthcare professionals undergo specialised training to ensure the accurate and safe delivery of radiation treatments to cancer patients.
What is a linear accelerator?

A linear accelerator, often abbreviated as LINAC, is a device most commonly used for external beam radiation treatments for cancer patients. It delivers high-energy x-rays or electrons to precise areas of the body where a tumour is located. In essence, this device focuses on destroying the cancer cells while sparing the surrounding healthy tissue from damage, making it a critically important piece of equipment in radiotherapy.

What is a radiotherapy machine?

A radiotherapy machine, often known as a linear accelerator (linac), is a piece of medical equipment utilised to deliver high-energy radiation. This radiation is used typically in the treatment of cancer to destroy cancer cells while minimising damage to the surrounding healthy tissue. Essentially, the energy from radiotherapy machines damages the DNA within the cancer cells, impairs their ability to multiply and ultimately leads to their destruction.

What is the best radiotherapy machine?

The determination of the "best" radiotherapy machine depends largely on the specific needs of the patient and the complexities of the cancer being treated. However, the Varian TrueBeam STx Radiotherapy System is one esteemed machine within the field. It is renowned for its capacity to deliver powerful radiation to the tumour with pinpoint accuracy, thus preserving the surrounding healthy tissues. Likewise, it facilitates a wide range of advanced treatment techniques including intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT), and Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS), among others.

Are radiation machines safe?

Yes, radiation machines, when operated properly by trained professionals, are considered safe. The doses of radiation utilised are carefully controlled and targeted to minimise exposure to healthy tissues. Furthermore, safety protocols and regular maintenance checks are conducted to ensure that the machines operate within the established safety parameters. However, it's important to note that while the machines themselves are safe, radiation treatment can cause side effects, which should be discussed with the healthcare team before commencing treatment.

What types of cancer can be treated with a radiotherapy machine?

Radiotherapy machines can be used to treat a vast array of cancers. This includes, but is not limited to breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, brain tumours, cervical cancer, lymphoma, and skin cancer. The treatment may be curative in its intent aiming to obliterate the tumour completely or it can be palliative, used to relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life. The applicability of radiotherapy depends on the type, location, and stage of cancer, as well as the overall health of the patient. Therefore, an oncologist should make the ultimate decision on the suitability of radiotherapy as a treatment option.

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