Gurgaon: Advanced radiation machine launched for cancer treatment, time reduced to under a minute

GURGAON: A new Varian EDGE radiation therapy system with advanced imaging and targeting features has been launched at Medanta – The Medicity, for cancer treatment. Hospital officials said the machine can deliver radiation in nearly one minute per session for most cancers, while maintaining very high accuracy.

The system is designed to target tumours precisely and limit radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissue, improving safety and comfort for patients. The machine will be used to treat several cancers, including multiple brain metastases, head and neck cancers, breast cancer and lung cancer. One of the key features is surface-guided radiation therapy, which continuously monitors a patient’s position during treatment.

If the patient moves, the system can automatically stop the radiation, reducing the risk of errors. Doctors said many patients may no longer need rigid thermoplastic masks that are commonly used during radiation therapy. The system also includes tools such as HyperArc and RapidArc Dynamic therapy, which help doctors shape and control radiation doses more accurately based on the tumour’s size and location. Functional stereotactic radiosurgery cones allow precise treatment of select benign brain conditions as well.

Dr Naresh Trehan, chairman and managing director of Medanta, said the hospital continues to invest in newer technologies to improve patient care. “Advanced medical technology plays a critical role in improving treatment outcomes and patient experience,” he said. Dr Tejinder Kataria, chairperson, radiation oncology at Medanta, said the new system reflects how far radiation treatment has progressed. “Today, computer-guided systems allow us to deliver radiation with sub-millimetre precision, making treatment safer and more effective for patients,” she said.