December 26, 2007 - Varian Medical Systems has received FDA 510(k) clearance for a new proton scanning dose algorithm that reportedly offers clinicians greater control over how proton beams are used to target tumors and other abnormalities, adding more function to its Eclipse treatment planning software.
The new algorithm, now incorporated into Varian's Eclipse treatment planning software, allows users to plan for intensity modulated proton therapy by optimizing dose distributions in three dimensions in order to protect surrounding healthy tissues. Within the Eclipse planning environment, clinicians can combine and compare plans for any and all of these treatment approaches, to arrive at an optimal strategy for helping each and every patient.
This proton scanning technique eliminates current proton delivery methods that require a therapist to enter and exit the treatment room numerous times throughout a treatment to adjust physical compensators for processing proton beams.
For more information: www.varian.com