Florida cancer center deploys Varian RapidArc

Bethesda Memorial Hospital's Comprehensive Cancer Center of Boynton Beach, Fla., will utilize Varian Medical Systems’ RapidArc device to deliver intensity-modulated radiation therapy.

The Palo Alto, Calif.-based company said its RapidArc equipped linear accelerator delivers treatments in a single rotation. During the rotation, the treatment beam continually morphs to the shape and volume of the tumor at multiple angles. Each of treatment takes about 70 seconds to complete once positioned for treatment and image guidance technology has pinpointed the tumor's location, Varian said.

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.