Cancer center leads the region with latest advances in radiation treatment

Patients being treated with radiation therapy at UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center can now access the latest technology. As of this week, the Accuray Radixact System is operational, marking a major advance in delivering precise, efficient and personalized radiation therapy.

The cancer center is the first in the region to offer the new type of radiation treatment.

The new system was unveiled at a celebratory ribbon cutting Feb. 3. Cancer center leaders showcased how Radixact delivers radiation in a continuous 360‑degree pattern and uses CT imaging to guide treatment. This enables clinicians to shape radiation beams to each patient’s tumor with great accuracy while reducing the risk of damage to nearby healthy tissue.

The upgraded Radixact platform supports a wide range of cancers, including those found in the brain, head and neck, lung, prostate and female reproductive areas.

The system’s arrival follows a renovation of the UC Davis Department of Radiation Oncology treatment suite, located in the lower level of the cancer center’s south building on the UC Davis Health Sacramento campus.

“This new technology is engineered to improve accuracy, reduce side effects and make treatments more efficient — often in less time,” said Andrew Harrell, radiation oncology manager. “The Radixact has real‑time motion tracking, advanced imaging before each session and sophisticated beam‑shaping tools that allow radiation doses to match the unique characteristics of each tumor.”

The new system replaces the department’s linear accelerator.

“What makes Radixact so impactful is its ability to adapt to a patient’s ever changing needs at the point of care,” said cancer center Physician-in-Chief David Tom Cooke. “For example, if a tumor shrinks, changing the patient’s anatomy during treatment, the system’s built‑in imaging allows the team to adjust immediately, ensuring optimal care throughout the entire course of therapy.”

Construction started in May 2025. The Radixact system is now fully operational and the cancer center is scheduling patients for treatment. For more information or to book an appointment at the cancer center, call 800‑770‑9261.