Proton Therapy Center Initiates 3D Image Guided Proton Therapy to Enhance Precision of Cancer Care

PALO ALTO, Calif., April 27, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Varian Medical Systems (NYSE: VAR), today announced that its 3D volumetric imaging technology is now being used at a California proton therapy center to enhance the precision and quality of its treatments for cancer patients.  The treatments with image-guided intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) are being delivered on Varian's ProBeam^® system at Scripps Proton Therapy Center in San Diego.

3D volumetric image-guided IMPT is enabled by Varian's cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) technology and supports adaptive treatment planning and delivery wherein clinicians can revise plans based on what they see in images during the course of treatment. Volumetric imaging is particularly important for proton radiosurgery, an ultra-precise form of treatment.  ProBeam cone beam imaging is based on the same leading technology used in Varian's radiation oncology systems including the TrueBeam^® platform. 

The unique combination of 3D volumetric imaging with controlled pencil beam scanning makes it possible to conform dose to the size, shape and location of the tumor while potentially reducing side effects. With proton therapy, the risk of damage to healthy tissues and potential side effects are reduced because proton beams can be controlled so that they deposit their energy within the tumor site rather than passing all the way through the patient.

"Volumetric imaging is enormously beneficial, because IMPT is very sensitive to anatomic changes," said Dr. Lei Dong, chief of Medical Physics, Scripps Proton Therapy Center. "For the optimum treatment we need to know of any changes, not only to the target, but also the anatomy outside of the target. The cone beam imaging on the Varian ProBeam System is excellent and stays true to the same high quality that I've seen on their photon systems."

"This is an important milestone for Varian where we are bringing the most advanced 3D imaging capability to the ProBeam system for proton therapy patients,"  said Dr. Moataz Karmalawy, general manager of Varian's Particle Therapy division.  "This should enable clinicians to deliver proton radiosurgery that will allow precise treatments for cancer patients to be completed in fewer sessions.  It should be a win for everybody."

For more information on Varian's proton therapy solutions, visit https://www.varian.com/oncology/solutions/proton-therapy

About Varian Medical Systems
Varian Medical Systems, Inc., of Palo Alto, California, focuses energy on saving lives by equipping the world with advanced technology for fighting cancer and for X-ray imaging.  The company is the world's leading manufacturer of medical devices and software for treating cancer and other medical conditions with radiation. The company provides comprehensive solutions for radiotherapy, radiosurgery, proton therapy and brachytherapy. The company supplies informatics software for managing comprehensive cancer clinics, radiotherapy centers and medical oncology practices. Varian is also a premier supplier of X-ray imaging components, including tubes, digital detectors, cables and connectors as well as image processing software and workstations for use in medical and industrial settings, as well as for security and non-destructive testing.  Varian Medical Systems employs approximately 7,400 people who are located at manufacturing sites in North America, Europe, and China and sales and support offices around the world.  For more information, visit http://www.varian.com or follow us on Twitter.

Press Contact

Mark Plungy
Varian Medical Systems
+1 (650) 424-5630 
[email protected]

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SOURCE Varian Medical Systems

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