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 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 detailed visualization of the tumor 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 G. S. Rao, Managing Director of 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 tumors and cancers of Head& 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.
Manikandan Bala, Managing Director India and Senior Vice President Intercontinental, Elekta “We are delighted to bring the state-of-the-art MR Linac, Unity to India. 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.”