Tenerife Hospital Upgrades Cancer Care with Real-Time Radiation Tracking Technology

The Nuestra Señora de Candelaria University Hospital in Tenerife has taken a major step forward in cancer care by upgrading its radiation therapy technology. The hospital has integrated the "Synchrony" system into its tomotherapy protocols, significantly improving the precision of radiation treatments, particularly for lung cancer.

Implemented in late 2025, this technology allows doctors to track tumors in real time. Unlike older methods, the system adjusts the radiation beam to match the patient’s breathing rhythm. This is a vital development, as it protects healthy tissue surrounding the tumor—a common challenge when treating the chest, where organs naturally move as the patient breathes. So far, six patients have been treated using this new protocol with positive results.

This advancement builds on the hospital’s experience with stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), a non-invasive treatment the facility has used since 2016. Over the last decade, nearly 400 patients have received SBRT, which delivers high doses of radiation in short, concentrated cycles of one to five sessions. The success of these treatments relies on close collaboration between the Radiation Oncology department and the Medical Physics and Radiological Protection team, who ensure every session is both safe and accurate.

A multidisciplinary team of 56 professionals—including doctors, physicists, nurses, technicians, and administrative staff—supports these services. These resources are essential for the public health system, as 60% to 70% of cancer patients require radiotherapy at some point during their care. By adopting this new technology, the hospital is strengthening its ability to provide high-quality, precise, and comfortable care for its patients.