University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center to Acquire ViewRay Radiation Therapy System
Researchers to Explore Potential of Unique Medical Imaging and Radiotherapy Technology
CLEVELAND, March 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center (UWCCC) in Madison, Wisconsin, will soon become one of the first oncology research centers to acquire a radiotherapy system from ViewRay™, Inc., a privately held medical device company. ViewRay's new research radiation therapy system features a unique combination of radiotherapy delivery and simultaneous magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The ViewRay system is being designed to provide continuous soft-tissue MRI during treatment so that clinicians can see precisely where the radiation is being delivered.
Radiation therapy is critical in the fight against cancer, and nearly two-thirds of all cancer patients receive radiation therapy during their illness. However, natural organ motion can hinder the precision of radiation delivery to the tumor. "Patients breathe, swallow, and digest with movement of internal organs during treatment," said Paul M. Harari, MD, professor and chair of the UW Department of Human Oncology. "We plan to use the system to observe and address this problem in a new way with the use of MR imaging. Our researchers are particularly interested in studying possible applications in the treatment of thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic malignancies, where precise radiation targeting must account for organ motion."
The UWCCC is known for conducting some of the most innovative research in the field. A number of original treatment technologies have been developed at UW, particularly in the area of image-guided radiotherapy using pretreatment CT. "We have great respect for the work of UW's researchers and clinicians, and we've enjoyed a longstanding connection to the Carbone Cancer Center," said ViewRay President and CEO Gregory M. Ayers, MD, PhD. "Now the UWCCC team will lead the radiation oncology community in exploring a new way of monitoring treatments and adapting to changes in a patient's anatomy." The ViewRay system is designed to enable clinicians to plan and deliver precision radiotherapy and radiosurgery to treat lesions, tumors, and conditions anywhere in the body where radiation treatment is indicated.
ViewRay holds the exclusive worldwide license for its combination of MRI and radiotherapy technologies. Now in the late stages of development, the ViewRay system is currently available only as a non–human use research system. The company is working to secure clearance from the U.S. FDA for commercial distribution of the system for clinical use.
About ViewRay
ViewRay, Inc., of Cleveland, Ohio, is a privately held medical device company developing advanced radiation therapy technology for the treatment of cancer. Using MRI-guided radiotherapy, the ViewRay system is being designed to provide continuous soft-tissue imaging during treatment so that clinicians will be able to see where the actual radiation dose is being delivered and adapt to changes in the patient's anatomy. The system is intended to give clinicians a fresh approach to observing, assessing, and personalizing a patient's treatment. For more information, visit http://www.viewray.com.
ViewRay acknowledges the contribution of the State of Ohio, Department of Development and Third Frontier Commission, which provided funding in support of the MRI Technology Enabling Expansion of MRI into Radiotherapy Guidance Project.
About the UW Carbone Cancer Center
The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center (UWCCC) is recognized throughout the nation as one of the leading innovators in cancer research, quality patient care, teaching, and active community involvement. An integral part of the UW School of Medicine and Public Health, the UWCCC unites more than 250 physicians and scientists who work together in translating discoveries from research laboratories into new treatments that benefit cancer patients. It is the only comprehensive cancer center, as designated by the National Cancer Institute, in the state of Wisconsin. For more information, visit http://www.uwhealth.org/.
ViewRay is a trademark of ViewRay, Inc.
SOURCE ViewRay, Inc.
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