August 31, 2009 - Varian Medical Systems is introducing a low-energy radiotherapy system with image-guidance and RapidArc treatment capabilities for international cancer clinics. Varian's UNIQUE radiotherapy system is expected to make advanced care more affordable and more widely available to cancer patients around the world.
According to Dow Wilson, president of Varian's Oncology Systems business, the company has "added high-tech image-guidance and arc therapy tools to a low energy platform together with our treatment planning and information management software so that technology for fast, state-of-the-art cancer treatments can be made available to treatment centers at a cost under $2 million."
The UNIQUE platform's low energy medical linear accelerator incorporates Varian's proven technologies for reliable and consistent dose control, delivery, and beam shaping, into an elegant machine with patient friendly design that is small enough to fit into almost all existing treatment bunkers. The system is ideally equipped for treating cancers of the head and neck, breast, cervix and prostate, which make up the majority of cases in most areas of the world. It will be exhibited for the first time at the 10th Biennial ESTRO Conference on Physics and Radiation Technology taking place here this week.
Varian will also offer a UNIQUE Power Edition without RapidArc technology or image-guidance software, for centers that prefer to begin with a more basic yet upgradeable platform.
Either package is designed for treatment centers looking to transition from older cobalt units to modern radiotherapy technology. The small footprint of the UNIQUE accelerator allows it to fit into most small, existing treatment vaults. UNIQUE is not for sale in the U.S., Canada or Japan.
UNIQUE is a works-in-progress and requires country-specific regulatory approval prior to clinical use. UNIQUE is not for sale in the USA, Canada or Japan.
For more information: www.varian.com