The Elekta Unity MR Linac integrates an MRI scanner directly into the LINAC system, allowing for real-time imaging of the patient’s anatomy during radiation treatment sessions
Yashoda Hospital, in collaboration with Elekta, a leader in precision radiation therapy, has launched the Elekta Unity MR Linac, its ground-breaking technology, in India. This state-of-the-art system combines the power of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with precise radiation delivery, marking a significant advancement in cancer treatment.
The Elekta Unity MR Linac integrates an MRI scanner directly into the LINAC system, allowing for real-time imaging of the patient’s anatomy during radiation treatment sessions. This enables Yashoda Hospital to provide patients with precise, accurate, and adaptive radiation therapy, resulting in improved outcomes and reduced side effects compared to traditional radiation therapy systems.
With a conventional LINAC, imaging and radiation delivery are typically separate processes. Patients are imaged using external imaging modalities like CT or MRI, and then the treatment plan is generated based on those images. The Cone beam CT (CBCT) integrated linear accelerator delivers radiation to the patient based on the pre-planned treatment. But this approach has limitations in the detailed visualisation of the tumour and surrounding healthy tissues.
MRI has long been recognised as a crucial tool in diagnostic radiology due to its ability to provide superior imaging of soft tissues compared to CT scans. But despite the advantages had limited use in radiation therapy as the combination of an MRI and Linear accelerator was previously considered technically incompatible. However, in a revolutionary technological breakthrough, this merger of the power of MRI with the precise linear accelerator in a single unit has now been achieved by scientists and engineers at Elekta.
By harnessing the capabilities of MRI technology and linear accelerator this innovative machine enables precise, accurate and adaptive radiation therapy in real-time. It allows for the targeting of tumors with unparalleled precision resulting in improved outcomes with reduced side effects.
Dr GS Rao, MD, Yashoda Hospitals Hyderabad, highlighted the advantages of MR-Linac radiation therapy over conventional methods.
MR-guided radiation therapy is now being utilised for various conditions, including benign and malignant brain tumours and cancers of the head and neck, prostate, pancreas, lung, liver and rectum. It’s important to note that the specific applications of this technology are rapidly evolving as its capabilities continue to advance.
“We are delighted to bring the state-of-the-art MR Linac, Unity to India,” said Manikandan Bala, MD India and Senior VP Intercontinental, Elekta. “This innovative technology represents a significant advancement in cancer treatment and demonstrates our commitment towards improving patient care. We firmly believe that the Elekta Unity MR Linac will propel the field of radiation therapy in India to new heights, resulting in improved treatment outcomes.”
With the introduction of this advanced technology, the level of cancer care in India has been elevated to a new standard, pushing the boundaries of patient care in the country.
