SEATTLE and ATLANTA /PRNewswire/ -- Swedish Cancer Institute (Seattle) and Elekta recently finalized a strategic partnership to launch a major new cancer-care initiative to transform radiation oncology delivery for cancer patients. This unique, multi-year, multi-product collaboration covers the spectrum of cancer management - from treatment planning and delivery to workflow and connectivity - and enhances Swedish Cancer Institute's ability to provide patients access to state-of-the-art technology early in the product introduction cycle.

This partnership agreement, which is among the most comprehensive in Elekta's history, includes Swedish's acquisition of multiple cancer management solutions, including radiation-therapy treatment systems, treatment planning workstations, electronic medical record systems, clinical service, and a Leksell Gamma Knife® Perfexion™ (radiosurgery) system. Elekta will also provide expertise in process transformation, technology enablement and strategic marketing.

Officials from Swedish and Elekta believe the combination of both organizations' collective expertise, talents and resources will help deliver transformational benefits to the Cancer Institute's patient population and solidify the 78-year-old program's reputation as a leading destination for world-class care.
"When new products role out, they will do so with key input from Swedish Cancer Institute physicians and our treatment team," says Jim Yates, administrative director at Swedish. "This will help make those solutions more resource-efficient and allow for quicker, smoother integration into the community cancer center settings."

Elekta President and CEO Tomas Puusepp says the agreement is mutually beneficial for both organizations. "Elekta will contribute its innovative technologies and significant experience in the oncology marketplace to further elevate Swedish's position as a cancer-care leader. And in turn, Elekta will benefit from the unique opportunity to partner with one of the most forward-thinking cancer-care institutions in the United States."

Elekta's Jim Rose, vice president of Comprehensive Oncology Solutions, adds that the partnership is a natural fit because both parties have closely aligned missions and values when it comes to improving human care.

"We both strongly believe that a world-class center of excellence requires world-class providers who work tirelessly to ensure that state-of-the-art technology delivers ever-increasing benefits to patients," Rose says.

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