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Radiation Therapy

Elekta high resolution, quick attach/detach MLC will facilitate more “on demand” stereotactic treatments

With its 2.5 mm leaf width across the largest field size (12 x 14 cm) and a convenient attach and detach mechanism, Elekta’s Apex™ DMLC is the right beam shaping solution for clinics that encounter cases in which a stereotactic approach is needed.

 

“Apex combines the right technical specifications with the ability to be rapidly attached and removed, making it the ideal solution for routine treatment of stereotactic cases throughout the day,” says Kevin Brown, Global Vice President, Scientific Research. “This DMLC also features low transmission, small penumbra and sharp dose gradients – all specifically to facilitate static and dynamic stereotactic treatments of head-and-neck targets.”

 

The Apex DMLC’s 112 leaves feature a dual focus design, which reduces the penumbra, thereby creating a steep dose fall off, and increasing the linearity across the whole field. To minimize transmission between leaf junctions, Apex was designed with a central axis tongue and groove leaf tip. The DMLC’s 2.5 mm leaf width across the entire 12 x 14 cm field size also improves conformance of the smallest head and neck targets by eliminating the stepping effect between leaf ends, which occurs with wider MLC leaves. In addition, full, independent interdigitation enables treatment of island fields or multiple targets in the same fraction.

 

The integrated attach and release mechanism of Apex creates a seamless interface to the integrated Elekta MLC radiation head. The new design allows the DMLC to be securely mounted and calibrated quickly and easily using the automated calibration procedure that is provided with the product.

 

Read more at: http://tinyurl.com/7b892m5

 

*Approval of indications may vary between different countries. Additional regulatory clearances may be required in some markets.

Congratulations to Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at TGMC, who opened its doors to the community on Wednesday, October 12 – expanding the Center’s comprehensive services in the Bayou Region.

 

Photo courtesy of Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at TGMC

In 2008, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, Terrebonne General Medical Center and Cancer Care Specialists formed a partnership with one goal in mind – to offer residents of the Bayou Region a comprehensive cancer center, close to home. Since, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at TGMC has grown and evolved to meet the needs of the community, but its mission has remained the same: to improve survivorship and lessen the burden of cancer.

 

“With the new Center, we hope to provide not only the very best in cancer treatment, but to also demonstrate our commitment to creating a healthier community,” said Phyllis Peoples, president and CEO of TGMC. “With this facility comes a full service program with support for both the patient and family, education and screening initiatives at no cost to the underserved community as well as the latest in technology and expertise of the very best doctors in the region.”

 

New lobby entryway

Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at TGMC offers world-class diagnostic and treatment technology, including Elekta Infinity linear accelerator.

 

“With this new building and the modern technology inside it, we are in a better position to serve our patients and the Bayou Region,” said Todd Stevens, president and CEO of Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. “The patient experience will be enhanced through the convenience of this new facility and enriched by the genuine compassion and sincere concern shown by our dedicated staff.”

 

Learn more about Elekta Infinity at www.elekta.com/infinity. To read more about Mary Bird Perkins at TGMC’s new facility, visit:  http://www.marybird.org/find-a-center/houma.

In February, the 2011 Future of Radiation Medicine Symposium brought notable experts in the field of radiation medicine to present information on the latest advancements in the treatment of spine, brain, lung, liver, breast and prostate cancers, as well as safety considerations in the clinical setting.

 

The report has been translated into Chinese, and is available for download at www.elekta.com/future.

  • Elekta has 2,760 employees working at 35 offices in 24 countries.
  • Elekta has the largest installed base of stereotactic radiosurgery systems in the world, including more than 440 Leksell Gamma Knife® systems and over 120 systems for stereotactic radiation therapy. In addition, more than 1,800 of Elekta’s stereotactic systems are used by over 1,300 clinics worldwide.
  • Every year, more than half a million patients receive treatment with radiation therapy equipment from Elekta.
  • More than 100,000 patients receive diagnosis, treatment or follow-up facilitated by software systems from Elekta.

 

Additional facts are available in Elekta’s 2010/11 Annual Report. Take a look by clicking on the below graphic.

 

 

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Radiotherapy is an extremely complex process, which can involve the collection and analysis of thousands of data elements during a single course of treatment. If performed incorrectly, radiation treatment can be hazardous. This is why radiotherapy is among the world’s most highly regulated industries. It is extremely important to ensure that the equipment, software and processes designed to deliver radiation to patients are as safe as possible for everyone who will interact with the product or system, whether they are operators, service engineers or patients. For this, a robust safety strategy is required. Read the rest of this entry »
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