Varian Medical Systems (VAR) recently announced that a leading cancer treatment center in Germany became the first hospital in the globe to offer clinical treatment utilizing intensity modulated proton therapy (“IMPT”), an accurate and quick method to provide proton therapy treatment. The treatment targets tumors while minimizing dosage to surrounding healthy tissue.
The Rinecker Proton Therapy Center in Munich is now capable of delivering sophisticated IMPT treatment due to improvement in its scanning delivery system, as empowered by oncology-equipment provider Varian.
According to ProHealth, the center’s operating company, the superiority of IMPT over other different forms of proton therapy is also its potential for better dose conformity. In addition, it believes that by including IMPT in its clinical program, its medical center can gain flexibility in planning therapies and use the full potential of advanced treatment for the benefit of patients.
As the global leader in conventional radiotherapy, Varian has been heading advances in various treatments, including intensity modulated radiotherapy (“IMRT”) and image-guided radiotherapy (“IGRT”). The company recognized the potential benefits of IMPT when it entered the proton therapy arena. Furthermore, it has improved the precision of beam delivery to under a millimeter, thereby enhancing the delivery of IMPT.
Unlike conventional X-ray based radiotherapy, where the beam, in its entirety, passes through the anatomy, proton therapy destroys tumors by delivering weightier particles that lose mobility at specified depths within the body, thereby reducing damage to healthy tissue. Scanning beam technology facilitates IMPT by modulating dose levels on a point-by-point basis throughout the treatment area. Irradiation from different positions is combined to improve control over dose administration.
Varian is a leading global manufacturer of medical devices for treating cancer with radiotherapy, proton therapy and brachytherapy. Its competitors include Accuray Incorporated (ARAY). Our Neutral recommendation on Varian is supported by a short-term Zacks #3 Rank (Hold).
ACCURAY INC (ARAY): Free Stock Analysis Report
VARIAN MEDICAL (VAR): Free Stock Analysis Report
Zacks Investment Research
