US-based Varian Medical Systems has introduced a new human-centred, user-friendly device called Halcyon for the treatment of cancer.

The system is designed to automate, streamline, simplify and bolster the virtual aspects of image-guided volumetric intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT).

Contrary to existing older technologies that require more than 30 steps, the device involves nine stages from the start to the end of treatment and is suitable to deliver treatments for several types of cancers such as prostate, breast, head and neck.

Varian Oncology Systems president Kolleen Kennedy said: “It is expected that there will be 24.6 million cancer cases diagnosed annually by 2030 and there is an acute shortage of equipment and trained clinicians.

"With the innovations in this new technology platform, the system will deliver high-quality Halcyon treatments that empower clinicians to care for many more patients."

Halcyon features a 100cm gantry opening, four times faster rotations to enable quick imaging and treatment, the capacity to generate sharp volumetric imaging within 15 seconds, and clinically accelerated complex image-guided IMRT.

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"With the innovations in this new technology platform, the system will deliver high-quality Halcyon treatments that empower clinicians to care for many more patients."

Halcyon employs a new dual-layer multi-leaf collimator (MLC) technology with a stacked and staggered design to simultaneously support gantry rotation speed and delivery of accurate dosage to the targeted area.

Halcyon facilitates adaptive radiotherapy and provides research opportunities for new treatment protocols.

The system, which decreases time and installation costs, is pre-commissioned, can fit in small vaults and needs comparatively less shielding.

Halcyon is two times quieter and comes with touchscreens, low couch height, soft indirect lighting, and an integrated couch-mounted camera and sound system.


Image: Varian's Halcyon system. Photo: courtesy of PRNewswire/Varian Medical Systems.