Swedish Cancer Institute, Elekta renew partnership to continue flow of technology, services to cancer patients

“Swedish Cancer Institute continues to build on its track record for radiation oncology innovation and excellent patient care. This unprecedented partnership will allow Elekta's development engineers to have access to clinical radiation oncology experts and should result in a better, more improved product”

Swedish Cancer Institute and Elekta (STO:EKTAB) launch renewed partnership agreement to continue the flow of world-class technology, services to cancer patients in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

Swedish Cancer Institute (Seattle) and Elekta recently finalized a strategic partnership to launch a major new cancer-care initiative to transform radiation oncology delivery for cancer patients. This unique, multi-year, multi-product collaboration covers the spectrum of cancer management - from treatment planning and delivery to workflow and connectivity - and enhances Swedish Cancer Institute's ability to provide patients access to state-of-the-art technology early in the product introduction cycle.

This partnership agreement, which is among the most comprehensive in Elekta's history, includes Swedish's acquisition of multiple cancer management solutions, including radiation-therapy treatment systems, treatment planning workstations, electronic medical record systems, clinical service, and a Leksell Gamma Knife® Perfexion™ (radiosurgery) system. Elekta will also provide expertise in process transformation, technology enablement and strategic marketing.

Officials from Swedish and Elekta believe the combination of both organizations' collective expertise, talents and resources will help deliver transformational benefits to the Cancer Institute's patient population and solidify the 78-year-old program's reputation as a leading destination for world-class care.

"When new products role out, they will do so with key input from Swedish Cancer Institute physicians and our treatment team," says Jim Yates, administrative director at Swedish. "This will help make those solutions more resource-efficient and allow for quicker, smoother integration into the community cancer center settings." Elekta President and CEO Tomas Puusepp says the agreement is mutually beneficial for both organizations. "Elekta will contribute its innovative technologies and significant experience in the oncology marketplace to further elevate Swedish's position as a cancer-care leader. And in turn, Elekta will benefit from the unique opportunity to partner with one of the most forward-thinking cancer-care institutions in the United States."

Elekta's Jim Rose, Vice President of Comprehensive Oncology Solutions, adds that the partnership is a natural fit because both parties have closely aligned missions and values when it comes to improving human care.

"We both strongly believe that a world-class center of excellence requires world-class providers who work tirelessly to ensure that state-of-the-art technology delivers ever-increasing benefits to patients," Rose says.

Swedish Cancer Institute has a long history of early adoption of radiation treatment technology. Through its Center for Advanced Targeted Radiotherapies (CATRT), Swedish Cancer Institute works collaboratively with technology partners to optimize clinical tools and practices early in the innovation cycle.

"Our position as a leading, non-profit health-care provider means we have an obligation to explore new solutions that contribute to making health-care delivery more efficient and effective. Embarking on this type of partnership with Elekta, the major provider of radiation oncology technology, will allow us to help steer the future of technology and its integration into community cancer centers," says Swedish CEO Dr. Rod Hochman.

"Swedish Cancer Institute continues to build on its track record for radiation oncology innovation and excellent patient care. This unprecedented partnership will allow Elekta's development engineers to have access to clinical radiation oncology experts and should result in a better, more improved product," says Vivek Mehta, M.D., director of the CATRT at Swedish Cancer Institute.

Elekta will also deploy its technology and strategy experts alongside Swedish Cancer Institute's key physicians, clinicians and administrators to ensure the highest priority is placed on implementing successive phases of the agreement.

In addition, the partnership includes establishment of Swedish Cancer Institute as a customer training facility, clinical product development center, and global reference site for Elekta.

SOURCE Cision