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How do modern radiation machines reduce skin damage compared with early machines?

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linear accelerator; external beam radiation therapy — radiation therapy External beam radiation therapy (also known as external beam teletherapy, or long-distance therapy) being delivered using a machine known as a linear accelerator.

Modern radiation therapy machines significantly reduce skin damage compared to early equipment through advancements in energy levels and beam precision.

Early radiation machines utilized X-rays in the orthovoltage range (140 to 400 kilovolts), which frequently caused severe and intolerable skin burns. In contrast, modern machines operate in the high-energy megavoltage range (exceeding 1,000 kilovolts). This higher energy allows the radiation to penetrate deeper into the body to reach deep-seated tumours while delivering a lower dose to the skin surface.1

Furthermore, modern techniques like intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) enhance safety by using multiple beams that conform precisely to the shape of the tumor. By employing tiny leaves, or collimators, to block parts of the treatment field, these systems deliver high-dose irradiation to the target while sparing surrounding healthy tissues. These technological improvements represent a vital commitment to patient safety by minimizing the harmful side effects of ionizing radiation on healthy skin and organs.21