STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Oct. 7, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- The 46th annual conference of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO), held in Atlanta, USA, this week, resulted in a resounding success for Elekta, clearly establishing the Group as the technology leader in image guided radiation therapy (IGRT). Even more importantly, Elekta demonstrated its leadership in clinical experience using image guided techniques to further improve cancer care for the benefit of patients and healthcare professionals.
At ASTRO, Elekta dominated the conference in the area of image guided radiation therapy as the only manufacturer with sufficient IGRT clinical experience to be referenced in presentations. A total of 15 presentations and 16 posters featured the Elekta 4D Adaptive(TM) IGRT solution. A bibliography on IGRT using Elekta technologies was presented listing 127 presentations and papers from this year only, reinforcing the strength and acceptance of Elekta Synergy(R) worldwide.
Elekta Synergy(R) is revolutionizing radiation therapy as the first treatment platform with an integrated imaging system allowing 4D Adaptive(TM) image guided radiation therapy as well as conventional forms of radiation therapy treatments. By enabling doctors to obtain images of patients at the time and point of treatment, clinicians can more precisely target tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding tissue. For clinical evidence and case studies, please visit www.elekta.com/proof.
Elekta Synergy(R) is the most advanced weapon in the fight against cancer. Elekta was the first manufacturer to start research on IGRT, the first to have systems in clinical use, and the first to bring these solutions to market.
Elekta Synergy(R) users convened to share IGRT experience at first Consortium
On October 2, the first meeting of the Elekta Synergy(R) Consortium was held at the prestigious Fox Theatre. The Consortium meeting was the first users group meeting of any vendor for image guided radiation therapy (IGRT). The boundaries of geography and politics disappeared as these medical centers eagerly shared experience and techniques for optimizing their IGRT solution with the Elekta Synergy(R) system.
``We were very pleased with the response to this first consortium," said Tomas Puusepp, Elekta's Executive VP for Sales Marketing and Service. ``It was a very exciting event, where the enthusiastic group shared clinical experience in applying 4D Adaptive(TM) IGRT and learned more about the advancements Elekta has in development. The physicians reported how Elekta Synergy(R) image guidance allows them to see soft tissue information, and they now have the power to fight cancer more aggressively than ever before. There were almost three times more attendees than we originally anticipated, which indicates the high level of interest and acceptance that is being shown for Elekta Synergy(R). Only Elekta is able to have this level of participation in sharing actual clinical experience in this leading edge technology", Tomas Puusepp concluded.
Dr Harry Bartelink, Chairman of Radiation Therapy at The Netherlands Cancer Institute, summed up the event: ``Image guided radiation therapy is clearly the way forward to cure patients without complications or mutilation. The Elekta Synergy(R) Consortium fosters new innovations into clinical practice for techniques, indications, and workflow. The group also seeks to spread the adoption of this technology and help refine and develop their new image guided capabilities. This meeting was a very positive interaction between the scientists with different backgrounds and experience", Dr Harry Bartelink concluded.
Educational symposium on tumor treatment in body and brain
On the evening of October 2, over 500 clinicians attending ASTRO joined Elekta at Turner Field, home of the Atlanta Braves, at the first ever educational symposium on the Elekta advanced solutions for high precision and accuracy treatment of tumors from head to toe.
In the symposium, members of the Elekta Synergy(R) Research Group (ESRG), currently utilizing Elekta Synergy(R) to treat patients with the most advanced weapon in the fight against cancer, presented their experience with this leading edge technology. The members of ESRG gave directions for further development of IGRT in routine clinical use and gave inspiration to colleagues to embrace the paradigm of image guidance in radiation treatment of cancer. Leksell Gamma Knife(R) users demonstrated the advantages of treating brain metastases with non-invasive stereotactic radiosurgery.
``I believe the tremendous interest in this event is due to the fact that only Elekta has systems in daily clinical use," explained Anthony De Carolis, President and CEO of Elekta, Inc. ``Clinicians are interested in actual solutions that have been proven in clinical use, and Elekta Synergy(R) answers that need. Only Elekta gives clinicians the power to treat their patients with this level of accuracy."
For further information, please contact:
Michelle Lee, PR and Advertising Manager, Elekta Inc,. 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 78 37 35, 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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