Varian Medical Systems (NYSE: VAR) has received CE Mark for its latest ProBeam® proton therapy system. The CE Mark allows Varian to begin installation of the newest version of its ProBeam system in the European Union.
Proton therapy makes it possible to treat certain types of cancer more precisely and with potentially fewer side effects than is possible with conventional radiation therapy. With proton therapy, the risk of damage to healthy tissues and potential side effects are reduced because proton beams can be controlled so that they deposit their energy within the tumor site rather than passing all the way through the patient. Especially in pediatric patients, the risk of developing a new, radiation-induced cancer later in life may be reduced.
Varian's ProBeam system with Dynamic Peak™ scanning gives clinicians the ability to deliver the dose precisely in order to minimize dose to healthy tissue. It is uniquely capable of high-speed intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT), the most precise form of proton therapy available, enabling modulation of the dose on a spot-by-spot, layer by layer basis throughout the treatment area. Irradiations from multiple angles are combined in an optimal manner to improve control of dose distributions. Scanning beam technology also eliminates the time-consuming need to manually insert separate shaping accessories for each beam angle in order to match the beam to the shape of the tumor.
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