MR allows the radiation oncologist to see the target and the normal organs better and in real time. It also provides them with biological information — the magnet can be tuned to learn about molecular activity and treatment response.
Seven major institutions are currently involved in a research consortium that's investigating the Elekta technology. Among those institutions are MD Anderson, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Canada and University Medical Center Utrecht. The Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) Clinical Cancer Center, another consortium member, announced its installation of the MR-linac
about a week ago.
Ad Statistics
Times Displayed: 46195
Times Visited: 1302 Ampronix, a Top Master Distributor for Sony Medical, provides Sales, Service & Exchanges for Sony Surgical Displays, Printers, & More. Rely on Us for Expert Support Tailored to Your Needs. Email info@ampronix.com or Call 949-273-8000 for Premier Pricing.
One of the major concerns is the cost of the technology. Christodouleas mentioned that there are health systems that can't even afford the simplest linac, let alone something that incorporates MR imaging.
"The value you're getting for the machine will justify the cost," he added.
Accuray brings image guidance to TomoTherapy
On Sunday, Accuray launched its next-generation TomoTherapy System, the Radixact Treatment Delivery Platform, which
received FDA clearance in June. The platform is made up of the Accuray Precision Treatment Planning Systems and the iDMS Data Management System.
Radixact's ability to provide daily image guidance is what makes it unique. The system takes an image of the patient every day, as part of the setup, so that it knows exactly where the tumor is on that particular day. “As the [cancer patient goes] through the treatment process, anatomical changes may occur, such as the tumor shrinking or the patient losing weight,” Kelly Londy, chief operating officer at Accuray,
recently told HCB News. “Clinicians need to be able to quickly determine when these types of changes warrant modifying the treatment and efficiently creating new treatment plans.” Competitor systems are designed with a C-arm gantry. The TomoTherapy System is built on a ring gantry platform with a CT scanner.
New care management tool from Varian puts a patient's care team on the same page
On Monday, Varian unveiled the first software platform that integrates the different aspects of cancer care so that the patients and their cancer team can collaborate to find the best treatment.
The
360 Oncology care management platform brings together radiation, medical and surgical oncology, social services, primary care physicians and the patient.
