New data adds to growing body of more than 50 peer-reviewed journal publications
TURIN, Italy, April 27, 2016 – Elekta today announced that its leading-edge high
-field MR-guided linear accelerator (MR-linac) platform will be the focal point
of seven scientific presentations at ESTRO 35, the annual meeting of the
European Society for Radiotherapy & Oncology, taking place April 29 – May 3.
Elekta’s MR-linac integrates a state-of-the-art radiotherapy system and a high
-field MRI scanner with sophisticated software that allows a physician to
clearly see the patient’s anatomy in real time. The MR-linac is designed to
improve targeting of tumor tissue while reducing exposure of normal tissue to
radiation beams. It will allow physicians to precisely locate a tumor, as well
as lock onto it during delivery, even when tumor tissue is moving during
treatment or changes shape, location or size between treatment sessions.
At ESTRO 35, the potential of Elekta’s MR-linac will be discussed in the
following sessions:
· Abstract SP-0485: “MR-linac: Clinical Introduction”; Christopher Schultz,
M.D., FACR, Professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Froedert and
Medical College of Wisconsin. May 2, 2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. This presentation will
discuss the integration of MR-linac into current RT practice, the structure of
the Elekta MR-linac Consortium and its plans to provide a robust body of
evidence to support optimal development of MR-linac technology.
· Abstract OC-0549: “The effects of magnetic field and real-time tumor
tracking on lung stereotactic body radiotherapy”; Martin J. Menten, a doctoral
candidate at The Institute for Cancer Research, London. May 2, 4:45 p.m. – 5:45
p.m. This study demonstrates that use of Elekta’s Monaco® treatment planning
software accounts for the effects of magnetic field during treatment planning
and enables the design of clinically acceptable lung stereotactic body RT with a
MR-linac. The data also show that the magnetic field does not compromise the
ability of real-time tumor tracking to decrease dose exposure to healthy tissue.
“To evaluate the effect of the magnetic field and real-time tumor tracking, we
modelled several dose-volume metrics and the amount of energy that would be
delivered to patients with lung tumors,” explains Prof. Uwe Oelfke, MCCPM,
FInstP, and Head of the Joint Department of Physics at The Institute of Cancer
Research, London, and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust. “Real time tumor
tracking would allow us to maintain dose coverage of gross tumor volume while
reducing the dose delivered, which decreased exposure to skin and healthy lung
tissue. This was observed with and without the presence of the magnetic field,
demonstrating that Monaco effectively addresses the challenge posed by the
interaction of the MRI with the delivery of radiation therapy.”
Additional presentations include:
· Abstract: OC-0075: “Impact of air around an ion chamber: solid water
phantoms not suitable for dosimetry on an MR-linac”; S. Hackett, B. van Asselen,
J. Wolthaus, J. Kok, S. Woodings, J. Lagendijk, B. Raaymakers; April 30, 10:45 –
11:45 a.m.
· Abstract: OC-0076: “Towards MR-Linac Dosimetry: B-Field Effects on Ion
Chamber Measurements in a Co-60 beam”; J. Agnew, G. Budgell, S. Duane, F.
O’Grady, R. Young; April 30, 10:45 – 11:45 a.m.
· Abstract: SP-0421: “Brachytherapy pelvic and MRI-Linac combination”; C.N.
Nomden, A.A.C. de Leeuw, B.W. Raaymakers, J.J.W. Lagendijk, I.M. Jürgenliemk
-Schulz; May 2, 8:45 – 10 a.m.
· Abstract: SP-0483: “MRI Linac: physics perspective”; B. Raaymakers, J.J.W.
Lagendijk; May 2, 2:30 – 4 p.m.
· Abstract: OC-0547: “Towards Portal Dosimetry for the MR-linac: back
-projection algorithm in the presence of MRI scanner”; I. Torres Xirau, R.
Rozendaal, I. Olaciregui-Ruiz, P. Gonzalez, U. van der Heide, J.J. Sonke, A.
Mans; May 2, 4:45 – 5:45 p.m.
“We believe our high-field MR-linac will fundamentally change the RT landscape,”
says Tomas Puusepp, President and CEO of Elekta. “Real-time, diagnostic-quality
imaging and the ability to enable dose adaptation during treatment will allow
radiation oncologists the same power of visibility during a radiation procedure
that a surgeon has in the operating theater. With MR-linac, physicians can watch
while they treat, allowing for a tailored approach to each patient’s needs at a
specific moment in time. This is a wholly different approach to RT that has not
previously been feasible.”
Elekta’s MR-linac is a work in progress and not available for sale or
distribution.
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For further information, please contact:
Gert van Santen, Group Vice President Corporate Communications, Elekta AB
Tel: +31 653 561 242, e-mail: gert.vansanten@elekta.com
Time zone: CET: Central European Time
Tobias Bülow, Director Financial Communication, Elekta AB
Tel: +46 722 215 017, e-mail: tobias.bulow@elekta.com
Time zone: CET: Central European Time
The above information is such that Elekta AB (publ) shall make public in
accordance with the Securities Market Act and/or the Financial Instruments
Trading Act. The information was published at 18:00 CET on April 27, 2016.
About Elekta
Elekta is a human care company pioneering significant innovations and clinical
solutions for treating cancer and brain disorders. The company develops
sophisticated, state-of-the-art tools and treatment planning systems for
radiation therapy, radiosurgery and brachytherapy, as well as workflow enhancing
software systems across the spectrum of cancer care. Stretching the boundaries
of science and technology, providing intelligent and resource-efficient
solutions that offer confidence to both health care providers and patients,
Elekta aims to improve, prolong and even save patient lives.
Today, Elekta solutions in oncology and neurosurgery are used in over 6,000
hospitals worldwide. Elekta employs around 3,800 employees globally. The
corporate headquarters is located in Stockholm, Sweden, and the company is
listed on NASDAQ Stockholm. Website: www.elekta.com.
