In a significant advancement for cancer care in India, Medanta – The Medicity in Gurgaon has officially launched a state-of-the-art Varian EDGE radiation therapy system. This cutting-edge machine is set to transform treatment protocols with its ability to deliver highly accurate radiation doses in remarkably short sessions.
Precision and Speed Redefining Treatment
The newly installed system boasts advanced imaging and targeting capabilities designed to hone in on tumours with exceptional accuracy. A standout feature is its speed: the machine can complete a radiation session for most cancers in nearly one minute. This efficiency is paired with a core focus on patient safety, as the technology is engineered to limit radiation exposure to the healthy tissue surrounding the tumour.
Hospital officials confirmed that the Varian EDGE system will be deployed to treat a range of complex cancers. These include multiple brain metastases, head and neck cancers, breast cancer, and lung cancer.
Enhanced Safety and Patient Comfort
One of the key innovations is the surface-guided radiation therapy feature. This technology continuously monitors a patient’s position in real-time during the procedure. If any movement is detected, the system can automatically halt radiation delivery, drastically reducing the risk of targeting errors.
This advancement has a direct impact on patient comfort. Doctors at Medanta indicated that the precision of this system may eliminate the need for many patients to wear rigid thermoplastic masks, which are commonly used to immobilise patients during conventional radiation therapy.
Advanced Tools for Customised Care
The Varian EDGE platform is equipped with sophisticated tools like HyperArc and RapidArc Dynamic therapy. These allow oncologists to shape and control radiation doses with unprecedented accuracy, tailoring the treatment precisely to the tumour's unique size and location.
Furthermore, the system includes functional stereotactic radiosurgery cones, enabling precise treatment for select benign brain conditions, expanding its utility beyond malignant tumours.
Leadership Hails a New Era in Oncology
Dr Naresh Trehan, Chairman and Managing Director of Medanta, emphasised the hospital's commitment to leveraging technology for better patient outcomes. "Advanced medical technology plays a critical role in improving treatment outcomes and patient experience," he stated.
Echoing this sentiment, Dr Tejinder Kataria, Chairperson of Radiation Oncology at Medanta, highlighted the progress in the field. "Today, computer-guided systems allow us to deliver radiation with sub-millimetre precision, making treatment safer and more effective for patients," she explained. This new system, she noted, is a clear reflection of how far radiation treatment has progressed.
The installation of the Varian EDGE system at Medanta Gurgaon marks a pivotal step in making world-class, rapid, and patient-friendly cancer therapy accessible in the National Capital Region.
