Louvain-la-Neuve, March 1, 2018 – IBA (Ion Beam Applications S.A.), the world's leading provider of proton therapy solutions for the treatment of cancer, and Proton Partners International, announce today that they have completed testing of the UK's first high energy proton beam machine on 16 February at the Rutherford Cancer Centre in Newport, South Wales. Following a record nine month installation programme, the center plans to treat the first patients with its Proteus®ONE solution in March.
Leveraging its longstanding expertise, IBA has again demonstrated its superiority in installing proton therapy systems and set a new installation record of nine months since synchro-cyclotron delivery. This new global record further increases accessibility to proton therapy for cancer patients in the UK while IBA's closest competitor will take at least 50% more time for the installation in its center. It demonstrates IBA's speed of delivery from contract signature to first treatment, and secures the customers' investment as they can deliver treatment in line with their business plan.
The single room Proteus®ONE proton beam therapy solution, installed and maintained by IBA, is the industry's only truly compact image-guided IMPT proton therapy system. It has a unique open gantry environment designed to ease the treatment workflow of the radiation therapists and to optimize the patient experience by providing a comfortable and calming environment. Proteus®ONE also offers the most advanced proton therapy technology on the market as it combines pencil beam scanning with 3-D cone beam computed tomography large field of view for true volumetric imaging at isocenter. Its compact design makes it easy to install, integrate, operate, and finance.
Olivier Legrain, Chief Executive Officer of IBA, commented: "We are delighted that we have been able to work with Proton Partners International and the Rutherford Cancer Centre to successfully make proton therapy available for cancer patients in the UK for the first time. By installing this equipment in only nine months we have further demonstrated that IBA is the leading proton therapy company in combining cutting-edge proton therapy technology with market leading delivery for the benefit of patients."
Mike Moran, Chief Executive Officer of Proton Partners International, added: "We are thrilled that the UK's first proton beam therapy system has been approved for treatment at our Rutherford Cancer Centre in Newport. Through working with IBA we have ensured that our centers are installed with the latest cancer technology in the fastest way possible for the benefits of patients. We are extremely proud to be at the forefront of delivering this innovative cancer treatment."
