Varian Medical Systems Receives FDA 510(k) Clearance for RapidArc(TM) Radiotherapy ...( Groundbreaking technology delivers f...),Health

Groundbreaking technology delivers faster, more precise cancer treatments

using a unique form of volumetric arc therapy

PALO ALTO, Calif., Jan. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Varian Medical Systems (NYSE: VAR) has received FDA 510(k) clearances for its RapidArc(TM) radiotherapy technology, a revolutionary advance that makes it possible to deliver image-guided, intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) two to eight times faster and more precisely than is possible with conventional IMRT or helical tomotherapy.

"RapidArc represents a major medical advance that will change the way radiation therapy is planned and delivered," says Dow Wilson, president of Varian's Oncology Systems business. "Our primary goal with this product is to improve clinical outcomes. In addition, we discovered that we could simultaneously improve treatment efficiency significantly. RapidArc should make better-quality radiotherapy a more affordable, more accessible treatment option, and enable more cancer patients to receive a higher standard of care."

RapidArc, Varian's new technology for delivering volumetric modulated arc therapy, quickly delivers a complete IMRT treatment in a single rotation of the treatment machine around the patient. The two FDA clearances for RapidArc cover the treatment hardware and the RapidArc treatment planning software module in Varian's Eclipse(TM) treatment planning system. Varian will begin taking orders for RapidArc immediately, and will begin delivering it to customers in the spring of 2008.

"Customer interest in RapidArc is tremendous," said Wilson. "This technology extends the versatility of Varian's image-guided radiotherapy system, adding volumetric arc therapy to other advanced capabilities
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