Varian unveils Unique radiotherapy system

Varian Medical Systems introduced its Unique low-energy radiotherapy system with image-guidance and RapidArc treatment capabilities at the 2009 European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ESTRO) conference, Aug. 30-Sept. 3, in Maastricht, Netherlands.

The Unique radiotherapy system is a work in progress in the United States, Canada and Japan, the company said.

“We have added high-tech image-guidance and arc therapy tools to a low-energy platform together with our treatment planning and information management software so that technology for...cancer treatments can be made available to treatment centers at a cost under $2 million,” said Dow Wilson, president of Varian’s oncology systems business.

The Palo Alto, Calif.-based Varian said its Unique platform is a low-energy medical linear accelerator that is equipped for treating cancers of the head and neck, breast, cervix and prostate. The company said it also will offer a Unique Power Edition without RapidArc technology or image-guidance software, for centers that prefer to begin with a more basic, yet upgradeable, platform.

Around the web

Positron, a New York-based nuclear imaging company, will now provide Upbeat Cardiology Solutions with advanced PET/CT systems and services. 

The nuclear imaging isotope shortage of molybdenum-99 may be over now that the sidelined reactor is restarting. ASNC's president says PET and new SPECT technologies helped cardiac imaging labs better weather the storm.

CMS has more than doubled the CCTA payment rate from $175 to $357.13. The move, expected to have a significant impact on the utilization of cardiac CT, received immediate praise from imaging specialists.