MR-Linac System for Difficult Cases Unveiled

The system is designed to deliver a precise radiation dose, and at the same time capture high-quality MR images. This will enable clinicians to visualize tumors, and adapt treatment. Unity features a compact, 70 cm wide-bore MRI, a table with a low load height for patient comfort and a soft tabletop, and non-glare room lighting.

Unity is the fruit of a global partnership consortium set up by Elekta with Royal Philips as MR technology partner. The consortium has also developed new clinical and workflow protocols for the system.

Conceptual architect and inventor of the system, Professor Jan Lagendijk, PhD, Head Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, said, “We started the development of an integrated MR-linac system 18 years ago; the presentation of the clinical system is a huge milestone. This system will enable tumor dose escalation and extreme normal tissue sparing, it will also enable shorter and more effective treatment regimens, while its ability to perform functional imaging has the potential to perform better dose painting and tumor response assessment.”