Andover, Mass. - Philips Medical Systems has unveiled advances in its portfolio of leading oncology solutions that advance Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) and help physicians more accurately target tumors. Philips is introducing the AcQSim3, now the only commercial full CT Simulation system on the market with absolute marking. Other highlights on display include a new version of Pinnacle3, the industry leading oncology platform with integrated simulation, image fusion, 3D planning and Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) software modules. These technologies were displayed at the 47th annual meeting of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO) in Denver, October 16-20.

At ASTRO, Philips is focusing on advances to help improve cancer treatment planning and delivery accuracy in IGRT. Image guidance helps clinicians to manage their patients throughout the treatment process by providing patient-specific data upon which to base therapy decisions. Armed with these tools, clinicians are able to more accurately deliver therapy and avoid harming healthy surrounding tissue. The inclusion of multi-modality anatomic, temporal and functional image data (CT, MR, PET and/or SPECT) into the therapy process provides the clinician with the most comprehensive information needed to define the target, optimize the treatment process and deliver the most benefit to the patient.

The integration of Philips imaging and treatment planning technologies helps hospitals, centers and clinics to cost-effectively implement IGRT using products already on the market. Solutions from Philips CT, MR, Ultrasound, cardiovascular, PET/CT and Nuclear Medicine business lines combine to provide various forms of image guidance that hep users more accurately define and monitor their targets (i.e., a tumor). Philips IGRT technologies improve workflow, and ultimately, help the clinic improve patient outcomes.


"Philips is committed to providing customers with leading-edge oncology solutions, including IGRT," said Keith Tipton, general manager, oncology systems for Philips Medical Systems. "To us, IGRT is not just about images taken in the treatment room, but more importantly it means increased tumor definition and accuracy in simulation and planning on the front end of the process, and therapy monitoring throughout the course of care."

Philips AcQSim3 CT simulation software includes Syntegra image fusion, absolute marking, and incorporates the latest advances in oncology imaging (CT, MR, PET and SPECT) to help provide a more accurate definition of a patient's tumor. Absolute marking allows clinicians to more precisely mark the exact coordinates of a tumor, which increases workflow and saves time.

Other new products from Philips are also on display at the meeting. For more information, please visit Philips' booth #1637 at the ASTRO Annual Meeting at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, Colo., October 16-20, 2005 or go to www.medical.philips.com/us/.

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