June 6, 2016 — Elekta and Philips announced the installation of a third high-field (1.5 Tesla) magnetic resonance-guided linear accelerator (MR-linac) system at University Medical Centre (UMC) Utrecht in the Netherlands.
The Elekta MR-linac is designed to capture high-quality images of tumors and surrounding tissue, allowing physicians to rapidly assess and respond by modifying the radiation treatment, a responsive intervention approach.
“UMC Utrecht has been a leading proponent of the power of MR-linac technology to transform radiotherapy, and we are excited to announce expanded capabilities through installation of a third system,” said Bas Raaymakers, Ph.D., professor of experimental clinical physics in the Department of Radiotherapy at UMC Utrecht. “The ability to visualize radiation therapy during treatment and to adapt treatment in real time based on detailed MR images would allow us to treat cancer with unprecedented levels of precision and accuracy, while improving efficacy and reducing side effects. Just as surgeons require a clear view of the surgical field, and often require sophisticated imaging equipment, radiation oncologists need a 21st century approach to visualize and adapt the radiotherapy field to achieve optimum outcomes for patients.”
UMC Utrecht is the founding member of Elekta’s MR-linac consortium, established in 2012 by Elekta and technology partner Philips.
In 2009 UMC Utrecht showed the first ‘proof of principle’ testing with an experimental MR-linac system. In 2014 the UMC Utrecht installed a high-field MR-linac and has since been conducting functional testing in a non-clinical capacity. The new system will be used for further non-clinical studies, but it may also be ultimately used for clinical treatments.
Elekta’s MR-linac is a work in progress and not available for sale or distribution.
For more information: www.elekta.com
March 28, 2024 
