Varian Medical Systems launches fully-integrated ProBeam proton therapy system at 2010 PT-COG

Varian Medical Systems (NYSE: VAR) is introducing the fully-integrated ProBeam™ proton therapy system at the 2010 Particle Therapy Co-operative Group (PT-COG) meeting here this week. The ProBeam system incorporates imaging, gating, robotic patient positioning, treatment planning and oncology information software to enhance treatment quality for patients and workflow efficiency for clinicians.

"ProBeam is the result of decades of leadership in proton therapy research and development and it has been designed from the ground-up to meet the needs of clinicians and patients alike," says Moataz Karmalawy, head of Varian's particle therapy group. "This fully integrated system can be used for all forms of advanced proton therapy including image-guided proton therapy and intensity-modulated proton therapy."

The ProBeam system incorporates Dynamic Peak™ integrated scanning technology which paints a precise radiation dose on the target volume, enabling true intensity modulated proton therapy. The system also incorporates proprietary pencil-beam scanning technology, which allows for precise dose distribution.

Utilizing the proven technology of Varian's 250 MeV super-conducting cyclotron and features, the ProBeam system includes a streamlined treatment console with a modern, graphical, easy-to-use interface that consolidates all controls for imaging, treatment and motion management. Treatment process and workflows are simplified and easy to learn, with a 'follow the light' guidance system that is designed to enhance usability and promote safety by guiding therapists through the steps of even the most complex treatments.

The ProBeam interface has the same revolutionary design as Varian's recently-announced TrueBeam™ system for radiation therapy and TrueBeam™ STx system for radiosurgery. "It's structured and organized the way oncology clinics work every day," adds Moataz Karmalawy.

"ProBeam simplifies the proton therapy treatment process for clinicians and patients alike," says Lester Boeh, head of Varian's emerging businesses group. "Varian is bringing the same integrated, automated and versatile approach to proton therapy as it has for many years of leadership in radiation therapy."