What should you know about Elekta Infinity linear accelerator?

Elekta Infinity is a machine platform used by a radiotherapy service. It can be configured for different treatment plans, so the machine name alone does not tell you which technique, beam or schedule you will receive. Your plan is based on the target, nearby organs, scans and the treatment team’s clinical assessment.

Before treatment, staff position you on a firm couch and use marks, supports or an immobilisation device when needed. The gantry can move around you without touching you. The team leaves the room during delivery but watches and speaks with you through an audio and video link. External radiotherapy does not make you radioactive.

Wear clothing that allows access to the treatment area and follow the unit’s instructions about food, fluids and medicines. Tell staff if your pain, mobility, hearing, vision or anxiety makes positioning difficult. Mention any new symptoms before the session begins, even if they seem unrelated.

Keep the treatment area clean and use only skin products approved by your team. Tiredness and local skin irritation can develop during a course, depending on the area treated. Rest when needed, maintain ordinary activity as tolerated, and attend reviews so supportive care can be tailored to you.

Contact the radiotherapy service if skin soreness, swelling, peeling or pain is worsening, or if you cannot manage eating, drinking, sleep or movement. Seek urgent care for severe breathlessness, collapse, new confusion, sudden weakness or a rapidly worsening condition. The team can also explain whom to call for machine or appointment problems.

Ask which treatment technique is planned on the Elekta Infinity, how your position will be checked, what you may hear or feel, and which side effects relate to the body area treated. Ask who to contact between visits and whether your plan could use a different machine if scheduling changes.