Cancer patients in Kent will gain access to faster, more efficient radiotherapy treatments through the installation at Kent Oncology Centre of two RapidArc machines from Varian Medical Systems.

The new systems are due to be delivered to oncology departments in Maidstone and Canterbury in the spring.

RapidArc enables clinicians to deliver a precise image-guided and intensity-modulated radiotherapy treatment in as little as one or two revolutions of the treatment machine. This allows for greater precision, since there is less chance of patient or tumour movement during treatment, and also improves patient comfort.

"This is exciting news for the Kent Oncology Centre as it will be the first time image-guided and intensity-modulated radiotherapy can be offered to the nearly two million people served by the Kent Oncology Centre," said Dr. Stewart Coltart, Clinical Director.

"These new machines will ensure we have sufficient capacity to keep waiting times at the current levels while offering patients faster and more efficient treatments. Our consultants are especially excited about starting RapidArc treatments, which we feel will be a terrific additional tool in our armoury."

David Scott, Varian's UK Sales Director, said: "This project is immensely significant for cancer patients in Kent, as they will quickly have access to RapidArc technology. More and more hospitals are selecting RapidArc as a way of delivering advanced and ultra-precise treatments without putting pressure on waiting lists."

Since its introduction to the UK in late 2009, RapidArc has been installed in at least seven locations.

 
Varian RapidArc