Eclipse(TM) Proton Scanning Algorithm from Varian Medical Systems Receives FDA...( New tool for planning proton treat...),Health

New tool for planning proton treatments makes it possible to precisely

control how dose is distributed inside the patient's body

PALO ALTO, Calif., Dec. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Varian Medical Systems (NYSE: VAR) has received FDA 510(k) clearance for a new proton scanning dose algorithm that offers clinicians greater control over how proton beams are used to target tumors and other abnormalities. The new algorithm, which has been incorporated into Varian's Eclipse(TM) treatment planning software, makes it possible to plan for intensity modulated proton therapy by optimizing dose distributions in three dimensions in order to protect surrounding healthy tissues.

This proton scanning technique improves on current proton delivery methods that require a therapist to enter and exit the treatment room numerous times throughout a treatment to adjust physical compensators for processing proton beams. "With proton scanning and intensity-modulation, this cumbersome process can be completely eliminated," said Jeff Amacker, Varian's business manager for treatment planning products.

PROTON THERAPY

Proton therapy uses a particle accelerator to generate a beam of protons and deposit them accurately within tumors while sparing adjacent healthy tissues and organs. Unlike the more common photon radiotherapy, with beams that pass all the way through the patient's body, proton therapy beams can be designed to stop and distribute most of their radiation dose at the depth of the tumor. This makes it possible to improve certain cancer treatments by protecting more healthy tissue and thus reduce short- and long-term side effects in cases where surrounding healthy tissues are particularly sensitive to radiation. Radiation o
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