A 3D representation showing a 360 degree single arc SmartArc plan for a head and neck treatment.
A 3D representation showing a 360 degree single arc SmartArc plan for a head and neck treatment.
April 22, 2009 - Philips introduced SmartArc, an independent technology for volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) treatment planning solution that can be used with the leading linear accelerators on the market.
Available as a module in Philips Pinnacle3 version 9 radiation treatment planning (RTP) software, the new planning option can be used with any VMAT-capable delivery system on the market.
VMAT is an advanced form of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) in which the treatment machine rotates around the patient while the treatment beam is on. The basic promise of VMAT delivery is to significantly reduce treatment time per patient compared with traditional IMRT. VMAT can benefit the patient by offering shorter treatment times, increased accuracy and better sparing of healthy tissue. Reduced treatment time results in decreased stress for patients and increased capacity for providers.
“Volumetric-modulated arc therapy provides the ability to combine the dosimetric benefits of rotational therapy with the dose painting capabilities of IMRT. In addition to improved plan quality, VMAT results in more efficient plan deliveries – using VMAT for complex head-and-neck cases can result in a seven minute reduction in our average treatment time,” said Dave Shepard, Ph.D., DABR, director of Medical Physics Radiation Oncology at the Swedish Cancer Institute in Seattle, Wash. “The SmartArc module in the Pinnacle3 treatment planning system has proven to be a robust planning solution for VMAT.”
Philips SmartArc advanced treatment planning technology allows single or multiple user-definable arcs and supports both constant- and variable- dose rate delivery. Constant-dose rate delivery is designed to allow clinicians to explore the benefits of VMAT delivery without the expense and downtime associated with an upgrade to their linear accelerator. SmartArc is the first commercially released inverse planning solution designed for both Elekta and Varian linear accelerators. This flexibility is important to allow clinicians the freedom to choose the delivery device that best fits their needs.
For more information: www.philips.com
April 18, 2024 
