by
Lisa Chamoff, Contributing Reporter | October 10, 2022
From the October 2022 issue of HealthCare Business News magazine
A recent study showed that RaySearch’s proton dose algorithm is 50 to 100 times faster than the competition, according to Janson.
In addition to the typical indications for protons, RayStation has recently been used for creating ocular proton therapy plans using the new RayOcular module, as well as proton stereo tactical treatments.
Varian, a Siemens Healthineers company
In December 2021, Varian launched the FLEX treatment planning system (TPS) research solution, a nonclinical, research-use-only, cloud-hosted version of the Eclipse planning tool for advanced cancer care.
The FLEX TPS research solution enables researchers to explore Flash proton planning and provides access to proprietary features that enable dose-rate calculation and visualization, unique to Flash. This expands the ability of multiple sites to conduct research of Flash therapy from a treatment planning perspective.
“The cloud-based format also means customers are able to receive new treatment planning tools as they become available, with the ultimate goal of helping create a smoother transition from bench to bed,” said Adam Earwicker, director of market development for Flash at Varian.
The FLEX portfolio includes products for existing Clinac and ProBeam customers to conduct electron Flash research, in addition to the research planning capabilities of FLEX TPS.
“Flash is one of the most discussed topics in radiation therapy today and we’re proud to contribute to advancing important research in this area” said Ty Boruff, FLEX business manager at Varian.
Additionally, the Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute recently hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new Proton Therapy Center. The Lancaster site is the first proton therapy center in Central Pennsylvania and the first ever to be equipped with a Varian ProBeam 360° system, which is 510(k) pending.
“As Pennsylvania’s only proton therapy center outside of Philadelphia, home to Penn Medicine’s Roberts Proton Therapy Center, the new Lancaster site will enable Penn Medicine to treat more patients close to home,” said Jean-Paul Sier, senior product manager at Varian.
The ProBeam 360° system is currently being installed at three cancer centers in the U.S., including one multiroom system for The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center- Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute.
In December 2021, the Hefei Ion Medical Center in China started patient treatment on Varian’s ProBeam system, representing the first patient ever treated with this technology in China. Other centers in China which have recently received ProBeam systems include the Shandong Proton Center and Guangzhou Concord Cancer Center.
