Leading integrated radiotherapy systems maker, Varian Medical Systems (VAR) recently disclosed that progress in radiotherapy for cancer treatment was among the numerous topics focused on, at the thirteenth annual congress of the Brazilian Society of Radiotherapy (“SBRT”), held last month. The four days of scientific presentations attracted 900 clinical professionals from across South America who shared their perspectives on the usage of advanced radiotherapy for treatment of different forms of cancer such including breast and colon cancers.
Radiotherapy is the meticulously arranged therapeutic usage of high energy X-ray beams that are able to destroy rapidly growing cancer cells. Currently, radiotherapy utilizes special beam-shaping know-how to concentrate the beam on a particular tumor while reducing damage to nearby healthy tissue. Such radiotherapy is known as “intensity-modulated radiation therapy" (“IMRT”).
IMRT therapy is being adopted by many treatment centers across Brazil. It is at times being guided by timely imaging to further improve the accuracy of treatment. Such "image-guided radiation therapy" (“IGRT”) is now being used at certain leading Brazilian cancer clinics.
Progress in image guided therapy as well as beam shaping has led to another evolving methodology for cancer treatment. In stereotactic body radiotherapy (“SBRT”) higher doses are delivered with pinpoint precision in a rapid manner, thereby necessitating just 1 to 5 therapy sessions instead of 40. This abbreviated timeframe for treatment holds the promise for better access to care and more cost effective treatment at centers, without compromising on treatment outcomes.
According to the President of SBRT, radiotherapy is a vital mode of cancer treatment. The Brazilian government has duly procured new equipment for public hospitals and increased reimbursement rates for radiation oncology equipment.
Several presentations at the Rio conference were done by oncologists with significant expertise in IMRT. SBRT is hopeful that it can increase the number of high-tech treatment centers in Brazil.
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, pose headwinds. Currently, we have a Neutral recommendation on Varian.
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