Leading integrated radiotherapy systems maker Varian Medical’s (VAR) coveted TrueBeam radiotherapy and radiosurgery system has made its Scandinavian debut as it was successfully placed at a leading hospital in Sweden. The advanced therapy system has begun treating cancer patients at Vasteras Hospital in Stockholm, the only hospital offering radiotherapy in Sweden.
Doctors at Vasteras Hospital used the TrueBeam system to treat a 71-year old prostate cancer patient who became the first patient in Sweden to receive treatment with this novel therapy system.
Prior to the arrival of the TrueBeam system, physicians at Vasteras Hospital have been treating 70 patients per day in two shifts. TrueBeam has enabled rapid treatment delivery while potentially allowing resumption of normal working patterns.
Varian’s TrueBeam platform, launched in April 2010, is used in image-guided radiotherapy and radiosurgery to treat multiple cancer types including lung, breast, prostate and head and neck.
The company has designed this sophisticated cancer treatment system to handle tumors with precision and speed. This includes tumors that tend to move, during therapy, as the patient breathes. This cutting-edge technology integrates a series of technical improvements, which provide help during treatment, such as positioning the patient and managing his/her motion.
TrueBeam has the capability to deliver doses at a rate that is about twice the maximum capability of conventional systems for radiosurgery or radiotherapy. The enhanced ability ensures that patients experience greater comfort due to shorter treatment periods and superior precision.
Varian is the world’s leading manufacturer of integrated radiotherapy systems for treating cancer and a premier supplier of X-ray tubes for diagnostic imaging applications. In the radiation oncology market, the company competes head-to-head with Accuray Incorporated (ARAY).
Varian is poised to increase its market share in the radiation oncology market. The company is currently enjoying a healthy demand for its coveted RapidArc and TrueBeam radiotherapy technology. However, uncertainties stemming from health care reform and a still weak hospital capital spending environment across many developed countries, especially in Europe, provide headwinds. Currently, we have a Neutral recommendation on Varian.
ACCURAY INC (ARAY): Free Stock Analysis Report
Be the first to comment