KLAS: Radiation delivery systems are evolving, not integrating
Radiation delivery products are evolving to treat cancer more effectively and at an increased pace, according to a report from market research firm KLAS, but integration issues are a limiting factor.
“Although it is difficult to compare radiation delivery products, providers are comparing the options available to them as best they can as they make purchasing decisions. Our intent is to make that comparison process easier,” said report author Monique Rasband, KLAS research director.
The report looked at nine products supported by four main vendors. The research for the report was divided into two segments: radiation oncology and radiosurgery/radiation therapy.
Radiation oncology consists of linear accelerators, which tend to be more versatile and are often considered by providers with tighter budget constraints. Radiosurgery/radiation therapy is comprised of specialized products that are often a good option for organizations that are looking to draw in patient referrals and/or differentiate themselves, according to the Orem, Utah-based company.
Providers noted that oncology technologies perform well overall. Some exceptions, such as limitations in integration, make the selection process difficult. Providers also said that working with the same vendor does not necessarily take away integration headaches, according to the report.
In the report, TomoTherapy’s Hi-Art was the top-ranked radiosurgery/radiation therapy product with an overall score of 86.8 out of 100 and Varian Clinac iX was the top ranked radiation oncology solution with an overall score of 86.6. In addition, Accuray CyberKnife System, Elekta Leksell Gamma Knife, Elekta Leksell Gamma Knife Perfexion and Varian Novalis Tx were included in the radiosurgery/radiation therapy findings. Elekta Infinity, Elekta Synergy and Varian Trilogy were also included in the radiation oncology research.
“Although it is difficult to compare radiation delivery products, providers are comparing the options available to them as best they can as they make purchasing decisions. Our intent is to make that comparison process easier,” said report author Monique Rasband, KLAS research director.
The report looked at nine products supported by four main vendors. The research for the report was divided into two segments: radiation oncology and radiosurgery/radiation therapy.
Radiation oncology consists of linear accelerators, which tend to be more versatile and are often considered by providers with tighter budget constraints. Radiosurgery/radiation therapy is comprised of specialized products that are often a good option for organizations that are looking to draw in patient referrals and/or differentiate themselves, according to the Orem, Utah-based company.
Providers noted that oncology technologies perform well overall. Some exceptions, such as limitations in integration, make the selection process difficult. Providers also said that working with the same vendor does not necessarily take away integration headaches, according to the report.
In the report, TomoTherapy’s Hi-Art was the top-ranked radiosurgery/radiation therapy product with an overall score of 86.8 out of 100 and Varian Clinac iX was the top ranked radiation oncology solution with an overall score of 86.6. In addition, Accuray CyberKnife System, Elekta Leksell Gamma Knife, Elekta Leksell Gamma Knife Perfexion and Varian Novalis Tx were included in the radiosurgery/radiation therapy findings. Elekta Infinity, Elekta Synergy and Varian Trilogy were also included in the radiation oncology research.