STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Oct. 1, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Elekta, a global leader in neurosurgery and radiation oncology solutions, has taken steps to improve the treatment of cancer with disease-focused treatment solutions, to be unveiled at the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO) in Atlanta.
Elekta dominates the annual conference in the area of image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) as the only manufacturer with sufficient IGRT clinical experience to be referenced in presentations. A total of 15 presentations and 16 posters will feature Elekta's 4D Adaptive(TM) IGRT solution. A bibliography on IGRT using Elekta technologies lists 127 presentations and papers, reinforcing the strength and acceptance of Elekta Synergy(R) worldwide.
Elekta will also show attendees its next generation of stereotactic radiation therapy, Elekta Synergy(R) S (works in progress). With Elekta Synergy(R) and Elekta Synergy(R) S, clinicians can visualize the target at the time and point of treatment, thereby sparing healthy tissue while using a higher dose to achieve optimum results.
As the undisputed leader in stereotactic radiosurgery, Elekta will highlight Leksell Gamma Knife(R) 4C, the fourth generation of the most successful radiosurgery weapon in the fight against brain disorders. Leksell Gamma Knife(R) remains the most accurate and proven means of performing brain radiosurgery, and is the single most trusted and utilized solution for treating intracranial disorders without invasive surgery. Over 300,000 patients have been treated with Gamma Knife(R) surgery, the technique dedicated to the brain and three times more precise than the closest competitor.
Equipping Clinicians to Treat Cancer Better
Only Elekta's full body and brain solutions bring together proven treatment options with clinical applications that enhance a center's productivity and profitability. To assist centers seeking the optimum treatment solution for the most common cancer sites, Elekta created disease-focused clinical solutions for specific disease sites. These disease sites include cancer of the lung, breast and prostate, as well as resultant metastatic cancers.
Elekta's integrated appropriate technologies to create highly precise disease-focused treatment methodologies that allow clinicians to treat cancers more aggressively without endangering healthy tissue, resulting in better patient outcomes.
"Only Elekta gives clinicians the power to treat their patients with unmatched accuracy using IGRT or disease-focused solutions," said Anthony De Carolis, President and CEO of Elekta Inc. "Elekta remains at the forefront of technology, business solutions and treatment solutions. And our commitment to R&D and expanding our solutions will continue to fuel Elekta's growth, as well as the growth of centers using our technologies."
Elekta Offers Unmatched Accuracy
Elekta Synergy(R), the most advanced weapon in the fight against cancer, offers the first radiation treatment platform with an integrated imaging system. This technology enables doctors to obtain images at the point and time of treatment so they can more precisely target tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding tissue. IGRT systems are currently in use at four centers worldwide, with three more U.S. installations scheduled during the remainder of 2004.
Advanced technology that benefits patients and supports a strong business model is one of the key reasons Elekta's solutions are being rapidly adopted worldwide, and in the US, particularly by healthcare group purchasing organizations (GPOs). Elekta's share of the GPO market has risen dramatically, with the company now under contract with eight of the top 10 GPOs.
A strong year for Elekta
In fiscal year 2003/04, Elekta continued its profitable growth and consolidated its position as one of the two leading global suppliers of solutions for radiation treatment and the clear technology leader in advanced radiation therapy methods.
Order bookings during 2003/04 increased by 12 percent in local currencies, and the order backlog at the close of the fiscal year was the highest ever.
"It is very satisfying that as a result of our focus on research and development of new products over the past few years, Elekta today has an extremely strong product portfolio," said Dr. Laurent Leksell, President and CEO of Elekta AB. "We are continuing to increase our market shares and establish Elekta as the most innovative and clinically focused supplier of equipment for treating cancer and brain disorders. It has become increasingly evident that Elekta is the company that is leading the development of advanced methods for radiation treatment of cancer.
"While the development of clinical applications for IGRT is only just beginning, I am personally convinced that within a few years' time, this will revolutionize the way in which advanced and ambitious clinics handle radiation therapy of cancer," Dr. Leksell continued. "There is a high level of interest in Elekta Synergy(R), and order bookings for this line of products have exceeded our expectations. At the same time, our pipeline of future products and new functionality is stronger than ever before. In both radiation therapy and radiosurgery, we are focusing aggressively on research and development and will continue to launch products and solutions that improve clinical results, make things easier for patients and enhance the efficiency of medical care."
For further information, please contact:
Michelle Lee, PR and Advertising Manager Tel: +1 770-670-2447, e-mail: michelle.lee@elekta.com
Investor inquiries:
United States: Lars Jonsteg, VP Investor Relations North America Tel: +46 708-783 735, e-mail: lars.jonsteg@elekta.com
International: Peter Ejemyr, Group VP Corporate Communications Tel: +46 733 611 000, e-mail: peter.ejemyr@elekta.com
Elekta is a world-leading supplier of advanced and innovative radiation oncology and neurosurgery solutions and services for precise treatment of cancer and brain disorders. Elekta's solutions are clinically effective, cost efficient and gentle to the patient.
For additional information about Elekta, please visit www.elekta.com
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