The University Medical Center Utrecht is testing a new system which is the next step in what may be a quantum leap in tumour visualization during radiotherapy.
Yesterday, Philips, Elekta and University Medical Center (UMC) Utrecht announced that the initial components of the world’s first high-field MRI guided radiation therapy system are being installed at UMC Utrecht. This marks a significant milestone toward the development of a clinical system capable of capturing highly detailed MR images of tumours and surrounding normal tissues as a patient receives radiotherapy.
The integration of a Philips 1.5 Tesla MRI system with an Elekta radiation therapy system could allow doctors to adapt radiation therapy during the procedure, increasing treatment accuracy, potentially reducing side effects and enabling increases in the therapeutic dose.
On April 5, the first component was lowered by crane through a modular roof into one of UMC Utrecht’s radiotherapy treatment rooms. In the coming months, additional components will be integrated and the system will undergo a program of non-clinical testing.
"Highly targeted treatments will be essential in the battle to control cancer, so together with our partners we are stepping up our efforts to create new solutions in interventional oncology," says Gene Saragnese, CEO Imaging Systems at Philips Healthcare.
Source and photo: Philips
