ELEKTA SYNERGY® RECEIVES REGULATORY APPROVAL IN JAPAN AND FIRST DELIVERIES TO BE EFFECTED IMMEDIATELY
Stockholm, Sweden, June 14, 2006
The Japanese Ministry for Health, Labor and Welfare, MHLW, has given approval for the Elekta Synergy®, the world-leading clinical solution for image guided radiation therapy (IGRT) and intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). Elekta will now be able to deliver and install the full IGRT functionality including 3D con-beam CT at new and existing customer sites in Japan.
Since its introduction in 2003, Elekta Synergy has revolutionized the way clinicians think about radiation therapy for the future. Research hospitals as well as community cancer centers are pioneering the use of advanced IMRT and IGRT for the benefits of patients all over the world. With some 200 peer-reviewed articles published by users of Elekta’s advanced technology for IGRT, radiation oncology professionals show an unshakeable confidence in Elekta Synergy and its ability to both image and treat patients in the same frame of reference, at the time of treatment. The result is unmatched clinical confidence in radiation therapy, enabling more aggressive treatment of tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.“We here at Tokyo University are eagerly awaiting delivery of the full functionality for advanced, 3D IGRT which Elekta Synergy will provide,” states Dr. Keiichi Nakagawa, Professor at the Department of Radiology at Tokyo University. “We believe it will have significant benefits for patient treatment as well as for research projects we have in mind. Being able to visualize the target during the treatment allows us to provide better patient care,” he concludes.“Just like their colleagues in other parts of the world, clinicians in Japan have been amazed by the new options offered by Elekta Synergy and the interest for this unique technology is strong among Japanese radiation oncologists who are eager to explore and contribute to the development of this new treatment paradigm”, says Stephen Otto, Regional Vice President and head of Elekta’s operations in Japan.******