New Treatment Technology Benefits Dutch Cancer Patients

Erasmus Medical Center (Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands), the largest medical center in the Netherlands, has upgraded its cancer center with several Elekta (Stockholm, Sweden) Versa HD linear accelerators (linacs).

The Elekta Versa HD linacs use high precision filter-free beam shaping technology to increase tumor targeting, with dose rates three times higher than previous systems. The system is fully integrated with the Elekta Agility multileaf collimator, leveraging 160 fine-resolution leaves for a 40X40 cm treatment area. The cancer center upgrade also includes substantial software improvements, such as the Elekta MOSAIQ oncology information system and the Monaco 5 treatment planning system. During the upgrade, Erasmus MC will receive new linacs, while those at Albert Schweitzer hospital (Dordrecht), an Erasmus MC satellite, will be upgraded.

MOSAIQ is a complete patient information management system that centralizes radiation oncology, particle therapy, and medical oncology patient data into a single user interface, accessible by multidisciplinary teams across multiple locations. The system connects seamlessly to virtually any linear accelerator and planning system, providing comprehensive image, data, and workflow management. The Monaco 5 is a complete treatment planning system featuring a new workflow and system architecture designed to improve processing speed and enhance planning productivity.

“Our history of research and collaboration with Elekta means we know we are receiving commitment and quality,” said Luca Incrocci, MD, an associate professor of radiation oncology at Erasmus MC. “Elekta's equipment and solutions will help us to fulfill our vision of being a recognized leader in treating patients with cancer and to meet our goal to develop research programs to improve treatment results and the quality of life of our patients. This will help us to grow into one of the best medical institutes in the world.”

“Erasmus and Elekta have had a collaborative relationship that goes back 10 years,” said Thijs van Bommel, Elekta business unit manager for the Netherlands. “They share our pioneering spirit and focus on patient care, education and scientific research. This mindset helped them easily understand the benefits of Elekta solutions including Versa HD, a flexible and integrated treatment system.”

Erasmus MC is affiliated with Erasmus University (Rotterdam, The Netherlands) and is home to its faculty of medicine. The MC is the largest scientific university medical center in Europe, and with 1,320 beds it is also the second largest hospital of the Netherlands, only 19 beds behind UMC Groningen. The hospital has three main locations: Erasmus MC, Erasmus MC Sophia (the pediatric hospital), and Erasmus MC Daniel den Hoed, which specializes in oncologic care.

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