Philips and Elekta help Dutch cancer institute install new technology

Philips and Elekta have commenced the installation of a high-field magnetic resonance (MR)-guided linear accelerator system at the Netherlands Cancer Institute.

The new Elekta MR-linac will help physicians capture high-quality images of tumours and surrounding tissue, making it possible to rapidly assess cancer cases and respond by modifying the radiation treatment accordingly.

It integrates a state-of-the-art radiotherapy system and a high-field MRI scanner with sophisticated software to facilitate real-time anatomical imaging. Tumour tissue can be targeted more accurately while also reducing exposure of normal tissue to radiation beams.

The Netherlands Cancer Institute is a member of the Elekta MR-linac Consortium, founded in 2012 by Elekta and Philips to demonstrate the benefits that such technology can provide in enhancing cancer care quality.

Rob Cascella, chief executive officer for imaging businesses at Philips, said: "I am convinced that we have the prerequisites to make MR-guided radiotherapy a meaningful success for both patients and care providers."