STOCKHOLM, Sweden, May 27, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) in Toronto will enhance its leadership in image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) with the addition of an Elekta Synergy(r) system. PMH will also build on its stereotactic expertise by installing Canada's first Elekta Synergy(R) S -- a radiation delivery system optimized for advanced stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT).
"Elekta Synergy(r) brings together three key elements that are major developments for cancer care: reduced risk of side-effects, potential for dose escalation and efficient delivery of care. This is something that benefits the patient, the physician wants, and is needed in the healthcare system," says Mary Gospodarowicz, MD, FRCPC, Chief of Radiation Oncology, Princess Margaret Hospital.
Princess Margaret Hospital, a teaching hospital of the University of Toronto, has achieved an international reputation as a global leader in the fight against cancer. Specializing in cancer research, treatment and education, PMH sees about 190,000 outpatients annually for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.
By imaging patients in the treatment position during the actual time of treatment, clinicians using Elekta Synergy(r) are able to deliver the intended radiation dose to a target with significantly more confidence. For the first time, radiation oncologists have real-time 3-D image information and the most precise treatment delivery, all from the same system. Between and during treatment sessions, patients' internal organ movement can shift the position of the cancer tumor, compromising the effectiveness of the radiation treatment. With online imaging, the beam can be positioned more accurately prior to and during radiation treatment delivery.
"Princess Margaret Hospital is one of four hospitals instrumental in the clinical development of the Elekta Synergy(r) image guided platform, and is currently a member of the Elekta Synergy(r) Research Group," said Mark Symons, General Manager for Elekta, Canada, Inc. "By doubling the number of Elekta Synergy(r) units, PMH confirming that image-guided technology is relevant for North America and it contributes to more effective cancer treatment."
The stereotactic features of the Elekta Synergy(r) S extend the image-guided capability of the Elekta Synergy(r) system, offering exciting new possibilities for treating small tumors close to critical structures. The system includes Elekta's innovative Beam Modulator(tm), an integrated, high-resolution, multi-leaf collimator designed to be used on surgical sites outside the brain, such as cancers of the spine, liver, neck, prostate, pancreas and lung.
"Lung cancer, as well as cancers along the spine, have always been difficult sites to treat for cancer due to respiratory motion and the proximity of critical organs," says David Jaffray PhD, Head of Radiation Physics, Princess Margaret Hospital. "The improved accuracy provided by Elekta Synergy(r) S will allow us to offer patients new hope in treating these difficult-to-treat cancers."
About Princess Margaret Hospital
Princess Margaret Hospital and its research arm, Ontario Cancer Institute, have achieved an international reputation as global leaders in the fight against cancer. Princess Margaret Hospital is a member of University Health Network, which also includes Toronto General Hospital and Toronto Western Hospital. All three are teaching hospitals affiliated with the University of Toronto. For more information please visit www.uhn.ca.
About Elekta
Elekta is an international medical-technology Group, providing meaningful clinical solutions, comprehensive information systems and services for improved cancer care and management of brain disorders. All of Elekta's solutions employ non-invasive or minimally invasive techniques and are therefore clinically effective, gentle on the patient and cost-effective.
Clinical solutions include among others
Leksell Gamma Knife(r) for non-invasive treatment of brain disorders and Elekta Synergy(r) for image guided radiation therapy (IGRT). Following the acquisition of IMPAC Medical Systems Inc. in April 2005, The Elekta Group is the world's largest supplier of oncology software.
Elekta's systems and solutions are used in over 3,000 hospitals around the world to treat cancer and to manage clinical operations as well as to diagnose and treat brain disorders, including tumors, vascular malformations and functional disorders.
With approx. 1,700 employees, Elekta's corporate headquarter is located in Stockholm, Sweden and the company is listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange under the ticker EKTAb.
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