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
30 May 2025

Learn how linear accelerator machines work, its benefits, types, features, pricing, and financing options in India.

Linear accelerator machines, commonly known as LINACs, are essential tools in modern cancer care, delivering targeted radiation therapy that accurately treats tumours while minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissue. This article explores how LINACs function, their core features, and their application across different radiotherapy techniques. It also provides an overview of other major radiation therapy systems such as Gamma Knife, CyberKnife, and proton therapy, offering a clear comparison with LINACs. Additionally, it includes practical information on equipment pricing, patient benefits, and financing options for healthcare providers. Whether you’re a medical professional or a procurement specialist, this guide is designed to support well-informed purchasing and treatment planning decisions.

What is a linear accelerator and radiotherapy machine?

A radiation therapy machine, specifically a linear accelerator (LINAC), is a sophisticated medical device used to deliver high-energy X-rays or electrons to treat cancerous tumors with precision and accuracy. The LINAC generates these beams of radiation and directs them towards the tumour while minimising exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.

The machine consists of several components, including a linear accelerator that accelerates electrons to produce high-energy radiation, a gantry that rotates around the patient to deliver radiation from different angles, and a collimator that shapes the radiation beams to conform to the shape and size of the tumor. LINACs are essential tools in radiation oncology, allowing for effective cancer treatment while reducing the impact on healthy tissues.

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 radiation therapy and linear accelerator machines

There are various types of radiation therapy machines used in oncology to deliver precise and targeted treatment to cancerous tumours:

  • Gamma knife radiosurgery units: The Gamma Knife is a non-invasive stereotactic radiosurgery system that uses multiple beams of gamma radiation to target and treat tumours in the brain and other areas of the body with high precision.
  • Proton therapy systems: Proton therapy delivers highly targeted radiation using protons, which can precisely target tumours while minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
  • Brachytherapy machine: Brachytherapy involves placing radioactive sources directly into or near the tumour site, allowing for localised radiation treatment while sparing healthy tissues.
  • CyberKnife radiosurgery systems: CyberKnife is a robotic radiosurgery system that delivers high-dose radiation to tumors, adjusting for patient movement in real-time during treatment.
  • Linear accelerators (LINACs): LINACs use high-energy X-rays or electrons to deliver external beam radiation therapy, allowing for precise targeting of tumours from various angles.
  • Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) linac: IGRT combines imaging techniques with LINACs to verify and adjust the patient's position before and during treatment, ensuring accurate radiation delivery.
  • Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) linac: IMRT uses LINACs to deliver precise radiation doses that conform to the shape of the tumour, minimising radiation exposure to nearby healthy tissues.
  • Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) linac: SRS delivers high doses of radiation to small, well-defined tumors in a single session, often used for brain tumors and other localised lesions.
  • Volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) linac: VMAT is an advanced form of IMRT that uses LINACs to deliver radiation continuously while the machine rotates around the patient, allowing for faster treatment times and precise dose delivery.

Each of these radiation therapy machines offers unique advantages and is used based on the type, location, and stage of the cancer, as well as individual patient factors and treatment goals.

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

Here's a table outlining the average price ranges of different types of radiation therapy machines and linear accelerators (LINACs) according to their manufacturer and model. This will help you understand the variety of models available and their costs in US Dollars and Rupees. These prices are approximate and may vary based on factors such as location, specific features, and additional equipment or services included with the machine.

VARIAN Trilogy Silhouette 695,000 Rs. 5.21 Crore
ELEKTA SYNERGY S 86,945 Rs. 65.18 Lakh
VARIAN Linear Accelerator 21iX 500,000 Rs. 3.75 Crore
VARIAN Clinac 21EX 390,000 Rs. 2.93 Crore
SIEMENS ONCOR 37,308 Rs. 28.01 Lakh
ACCURAY TOMOTHERAPY HI-ART 5,000 Rs. 3.75 Lakh
SIEMENS PRIMUS 31,180 Rs. 23.39 Lakh
VARIAN Trilogy Clinac iX 1,000 Rs. 7,500
SCANDITRONIX IBA DOSIMETRY PHANTOM BLUE 1 12,139 Rs. 91,041
VARIAN Clinac DHX 36,151 Rs. 2.71 Crore
VARIAN 2100EX 17,500 Rs. 13.13 Lakh

 

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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