As part of advancing radiotherapy procedures, the Clinic for Oncology and Radiotherapy of the University Clinical Center Tuzla (UKC Tuzla) has introduced the state-of-the-art C-RAD system for verification and monitoring of radiation exposure. This innovative technology represents a significant step toward more precise and safer treatment of patients with malignant diseases, ensuring maximum protection of healthy tissues.
Oncologist Prim. Assoc. Prof. Hasan Osmić, Head of the Department of Radiotherapy, explained that the acquisition of the C-RAD system was specifically requested as part of the procurement of new equipment for the Clinic. “In addition to the linear accelerator and other essential equipment, we identified the C-RAD system as a necessary component because it enables additional verification of patient radiation exposure,” emphasized Dr. Osmić.
He added that the primary goal of radiotherapy is to precisely irradiate the tumor volume while sparing the surrounding healthy tissue. “The new system allows us to achieve exactly that, with millimeter-level accuracy in delivering the therapeutic dose. While we routinely verify the target volume position using CBCT, the C-RAD system introduces an additional layer of precision by employing optical surface scanning of the patient. This ensures that the radiation is delivered exactly to the location defined during CT simulation, providing a higher level of safety for our patients,” Dr. Osmić explained.
Dr. Osmić noted that the procedure is somewhat more demanding and time-sensitive, but emphasized that the additional time is devoted exclusively to safety checks, ensuring both accuracy and efficiency of therapy.
The new system also incorporates synchronized radiation delivery technology, marking a significant advancement in the application of adaptive radiotherapy.
Muhamed Topčagić, PhD, Eng. in Radiology and Chief Radiological Engineer at the Clinic for Oncology and Radiotherapy, explained that this technique enables dynamic monitoring of tumor movement in real time, synchronized with the patient’s breathing. “This modern system continuously tracks changes in the position and shape of the tumor, as well as its relationship to surrounding anatomical structures, and automatically adjusts radiation delivery accordingly. This technique falls within the domain of adaptive radiotherapy and allows therapy planning and delivery to be tailored individually to the needs of each patient,” emphasized Topčagić.
He added that UKC Tuzla has already applied this technique in the treatment of ten patients, while staff training is ongoing and being carried out in phases. “In the past two days, we have launched the system, conducted quality control tests, and begun staff training. Over the next six weeks, we plan to expand knowledge and implementation of this method with additional techniques such as Breath Holding, which allows for even more precise control during respiration. In this way, advanced techniques will soon become an integral part of routine clinical practice at UKC Tuzla,” said Muhamed Topčagić, Eng. Radiology, PhD.
Commenting on the introduction of this new technology, the Director of UKC Tuzla, Prof. Dr. Šekib Umihanić, emphasized: “The implementation of the C-RAD system represents a continuation of UKC Tuzla’s strategic investment in modern oncology therapy, particularly radiotherapy. The combination of cutting-edge technology and highly trained professionals enables our patients to receive treatment in accordance with the highest European standards, safe, precise, and individualized. By investing in both advanced equipment and staff training, UKC Tuzla reaffirms its commitment to European standards of care. I am proud that we are the first center in Bosnia and Herzegovina to implement this system.”
