For nearly 20 years, the Varian Clinac iX linear accelerator has been a vital part of patient care in the UAB Department of Radiation Oncology. Now, the department is in the process of retiring the iX and installing a new Varian TrueBeam.
First installed in 2006 in the Wallace Tumor Institute and later relocated to the Hazelrig-Salter Radiation Oncology Center, the iX supported the treatment of both malignant and non-malignant conditions with exceptional reliability.
“Compared with earlier linear accelerators, the Varian iX enabled the radiation therapists to overlay images acquired at the machine with the patient’s CT scans, resulting in smoother and more precise treatments,” said Nathan Jordan, radiation therapy supervisor. “In addition, the ability to make final adjustments from outside the treatment room significantly improved workflow efficiency for the therapy team.”
The Varian iX has played a vital role in our clinical care, allowing us to provide treatment to thousands of patients. Our patients have benefited from high-quality care, and we look forward to continuing to serve those who depend on us.
During its lifetime, the Clinac iX delivered:
- More than 119 million total patient Mu’s
- 14,131 unique treatment plans
- 9,364 unique treatment courses
- 8,528 unique patients treated
- 710 patients receiving multiple courses
The Varian iX treated its first patient on Apr. 4, 2006, and delivered its final treatment on Oct. 14, 2025. During its years of service, the iX achieved several notable milestones, including treating the world’s first RapidArc patient following the technique’s release as a new linac-based therapy. It was also UAB’s first linear accelerator equipped with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), enabling three-dimensional patient alignment for treatment rather than traditional two-dimensional methods.
During the transition to the Varian TrueBeam, patients are being treated on other linear accelerators and at the Acton Road satellite location. Teams across the department have worked closely to maintain seamless care.
To support patient flow, a multidisciplinary Capacity Management Team meets weekly to review machine availability, patient needs, and strategies to manage volume, ensuring patients continue to receive timely, high-quality care throughout the transition.
“The TrueBeam enables the treatment of more advanced patient plans, providing greater flexibility in patient scheduling,” said Jordan. “It will also be equipped with Varian Identify, a surface-tracking system that monitors patient movement. We welcome the enhanced capabilities of this technology, which will further strengthen our ability to deliver safe, precise, and high-quality patient care.”
As we close the chapter on the Clinac iX and welcome the capabilities of the Varian TrueBeam, the department honors the remarkable impact of a machine that served our patients faithfully for nearly two decades. Its legacy lives on in the thousands of lives touched, the innovations it enabled, and the strong foundation it established for the next generation of radiation therapy.