Shonin Approval for ProBeam System

Varian Medical Systems has received Shonin approval from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) to market the ProBeam® system for proton therapy in Japan. The system was also showcased at the Particle Therapy Co-Operative Group (PTCOG), May 11-13, 2017 in Yokohama, Japan.

The system’s pencil beam scanning technology allows clinicians to deliver more precise doses inside the tumour thus reducing risk to nearby healthy tissue. When combined with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), the ProBeam also enables advanced image-guided adaptive therapy during the course of treatment helping to make it the most precise form of proton therapy available.

Because the proton beams can be controlled so that they deposit their energy within the tumour site rather than passing all the way through the patient the treatment is particularly suitable for pediatric cancer cases as well as for adults.

"We are very pleased that the ProBeam system has now received Shonin approval," said Moataz Karmalawy, general manager of Varian's Particle Therapy division. "This approval is an important step in the growing availability of proton therapy in Japan and around the world."