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On display in Varian's ASTRO booth are the company's world-classtechnologies for external beam radiotherapy, stereotactic radiosurgery, andbrachytherapy, including:
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-- A new version of RapidArc(TM) radiotherapy technology, which makes itpossible to quickly deliver a volumetric intensity-modulated arc treatmentwith a single rotation of the treatment machine around the patient. Newfeatures include multiple and non-coplanar arc treatments for the accuratetargeting of large, irregularly shaped, or awkwardly-positioned tumors. (Seerelated press release entitled Varian to Showcase RapidArc(TM) RadiotherapyTechnology Enhancements at ASTRO 2008).
-- The Novalis Tx(TM) image-guided radiosurgery platform, which combinesimaging, treatment planning, treatment delivery, and motion management toolsfrom Varian and BrainLAB for the non-invasive treatment of cancer anddisorders of the central nervous system. (See related press release entitledNoninvasive Radiosurgery with Novalis Tx(TM) Platform Rolling Out Worldwide).
-- The On-Board Imager(R) kV imaging device for image-guided radiotherapy,enhanced to generate higher-quality images at lower X-ray doses and to enableacquisition of a 40-second half-scan cone-beam CT image.
-- The OncQT(TM) data analysis software tool, developed with colleagues atthe Alberta Cancer Board of Canada, for analyzing electronic information inpatients' medical records and generating reports about treatment protocols andoutcomes. "In addition to improving the quality of cancer care, quantitativedata analysis has tremendous implications for cost control in healthcare,"said Corey Zankowski, senior director for oncology product management atVarian. "Unproductive medical care is expensive. Evidence based clinicaldecision making has the potential to improve outcomes and reduce costs."
-- Equicare CS(TM) case management software, a program from Cogent HealthSolutions that links with Varian's ARIA(TM) oncology information system tohelp doctors provide cancer survivors with proactive follow-up care. TheEquicare case management system is a web-based tool that generates a care planbased on best practices, creates a dynamic link between patients, clinicians,and caregivers, and helps survivors achieve better clinical compliance,improved outcomes, and a better quality of life following cancer treatment.
A "Future Developments" Exhibit
In a "future developments" area of the exhibit, Varian is showcasingseveral works-in-progress that are not available for sale in the U.S. Theexhibit features:
-- An architecture for a new Oncology PACS (picture archiving andcommunication system) for long-term image management and storage. Indevelopment by Varian researchers in partnership with Xstor Medical Systems,Varian's Oncology PACs is being designed to furnish oncology departments witha scalable, integrated image storage solution with a web-based interface thatadheres to industry standard DICOM RT and HL7 communication protocols.
-- New methods for managing motion during treatment delivery, includingreal-time imaging, as well as a method that utilizes the Calypso(R) 4DLocalization System to monitor and adjust for tumor motion during radiotherapytreatment.
1) Users' Meeting on Saturday, September 20, from 11:00 a.m.