Radiotherapy System to Tackle Higher Patient Numbers in Japan

Ofuna Chuo Hospital, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan has become the first clinic in the country to begin treating cancer patients using Halcyon™, Varian’s intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) system, which offers improved patient comfort and fewer treatment steps than older technology.

To assist in the reduction of time and construction costs from installation to first patient treatment, Halcyon offers expedited commissioning, requires less shielding than traditional systems, can fit in the majority of existing small vaults and can be installed in two weeks or less, according to the company.

"The Ofuna Chuo Hospital is a regional core hospital in the south-eastern part of Kanagawa Prefecture and provides radiation treatment to more than 800 patients annually," said Dr. Atsuya Takeda, director of Radiation Oncology Center, Ofuna Central Hospital. "By introducing Halcyon, IMRT and intensity-modulated rotational radiation therapy (VMAT), we expect to treat more patients by being able to efficiently carry out high-precision radiation therapy."

"We are proud to collaborate with Ofuna Chuo Hospital to be the first to have Halcyon in Japan," said Mitchell Silong, senior managing director, Varian Medical Systems KK. "With Halcyon, together, we expect to deliver high quality care in a patient-centric environment to more patients, helping to create a world without fear of cancer."