Varian has released its Halcyon image-guided volumetric intensity modulated radiotherapy system (IMRT) in Europe at University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium. The system, recently FDA cleared, is designed to be speedier during prep, while delivering therapy, and providing an assessment of results. The number of steps that technicians have to undertake for each patient have been reduced to a third, compared to previous Varian systems. The first patient in Europe to be treated with the Halcyon was a 80-year-old with head & neck cancer.
The system essentially includes a CT scanner within the device, providing volumetric imaging as the radiotherapy is undertaken. This was an engineering challenge, as the X-ray has to spin pretty fast to make sharp 3D images, so the collimator had to be made unusually fast to keep up.
Varian also notes that its made the system easier to install, making it cheaper to introduce into a clinical facility. Additional cost savings should be achieved since shorter treatment times allow for more patients to be treated.
Here’s a promo video for the Halcyon:
Flashbacks: Varian’s Halcyon Image-Guided Volumetric Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy System Now FDA Cleared…; Varian Unveils Speedy New Halcyon Image-Guided Volumetric IMRT System…
Product page: Halcyon…
Via: Varian…
