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More than 10,000 radiation oncology professionals, including a host of top OEMs, took part in the 50th Annual American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO) Conference last week in Boston. Participants had the opportunity to attend educational and scientific sessions and to view a spectrum of current and innovative equipment and technologies from more than 275 exhibitors. A proton therapy study and an acupuncture study garnered interest, too.

GE Healthcare
GE Healthcare unveiled the Signa Magnetic Resonance Imaging (Signa) Oncology Package, a dedicated solution featuring a detachable flat-surface patient table with indexed edges and flexible surface coils as positioning aids during treatment. The Signa MRI is an effective choice for imaging soft tissue tumors, the brain and spine.

The Signa package provides clinicians with consistency and accuracy required for advanced radiation treatment systems by co-registering the MRI and CT images. This tool permits radiation oncologists and cancer centers to integrate high-definition MRI into treatment plans.

Philips
Royal Philips Electronics showcased its integrated oncology suite. The suite offers a comprehensive solution to address patient and caregiver needs through allowing functional feedback on therapy progression. This integrated system uses three systems for oncology imaging: MR, CT and PET/CT all designed to enhance their new clinical technology in radiation therapy. Also offered was an imaging and therapeutic toolkit for cancer centers.

Showcased was the Brilliance CT Big Bore Oncology Configuration that permits flexible and motion management tools for efficient workflow as well as shorter exam times for patients. Philips highlighted its Gemini TF PET/CT Big Bore, a 4D time-of-flight technology solution with a toolkit for improving respiratory motion correlated imaging. The Traxtal PercuNav is a collaborative product delivered through Traxtal's PercuNav System with Philips technology which provides real-time 3D visualization for accurately guiding needles and probes. Currently in development is the Philips Panorama HFO, the first high-field open MR system with active shielding that will allow patients to be scanned in treatment position.

Proton Therapy Study
A new study which suggests that proton therapy lowers the risk of developing a secondary cancer during treatment was presented at ASTRO. Since patients may receive treatment for a longer time, and side effects of therapy become a more prominent factor in treatment planning and recovery, the proton radiation therapy may prove an option. For more in-depth information on proton radiation therapy, read DOTmed News article http://www.dotmed.com/news/story/7058/

Acupuncture Therapy Study
In a first-of-its kind study, Acupuncture Therapy was reported as effective and longer-lasting for managing the debilitating side effects resulting from breast cancer. Acupuncture addressed hot flashes and excessive sweating as well as provided patients an increased sense of well-being, more energy and, in some instances, improved sex drive. These results were not experienced in patients who underwent conventional drug therapy.
For more information on the study, see www.rtanswers.org For more information on CAM therapy, see http://www.dotmed.com/news/story/6988/

Watch DOTmed News for follow-up reports on selected research findings and announcements from the conference.