Accuray was first granted FDA clearance for its Accuray’s CyberKnife Robotic Radiosurgery System for cranial indications in 1999, and whole body treatments in 2001. Since then the company has seen success with the system, with 65 system installations within the U.S. (85 taking into account international facilities). At the Annual American Society of Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO) meeting in Philadelphia this week, the company is riding this success with the announcement of additional products, and a technology partnership with Siemens that will include the use of its SOMATOM CT imaging system in conjunction with the CyberKnife system.

The combination combines robotic radiosurgery with either 3D or 4D diagnostic quality CT scanning in the treatment room. Assisted by advanced imaging technology, clinicians are able to visualize the exact location of the tumor and its surrounding critical structures, immediately prior to treatment, to ensure the radiosurgery procedure delivers the treatment as planned. The 4D imaging system is designed to ensure clinicians have access to diagnostic quality images and 4D image data in with a faster acquisition time, rather than relying on slower, lower quality imaging techniques such as cone beam imaging, Accuray said.

The combination will make use of the new RoboCouch Patient Positioning System. Using RoboCouch, patients are positioned to undergo the CT scan, which allows the clinician to quickly verify the treatment plan and the exact location of the tumor and adjacent critical structures.  Without moving the patient from the treatment table, the RoboCouch then transitions the patient from the CT scanner to the CyberKnife system where the patient receives radiosurgery treatment.

Accuray also introduced three new products including Xsight Lung Tracking System, Xchange Robotic Collimator Changer and 4D Treatment Optimization and Planning System – used with CyberKnife to offer a non-invasive, fiducial-free lung cancer treatment option that eliminates the risk of complications common with the implantation of markers or fiducials. Moreover, the products can shorten treatment times through treatment planning optimization and reduced treatment delivery interruptions, Accuray said.

Additional details:

• The Xsight Lung Tracking System uses sophisticated image processing and registration techniques to directly lock onto and track the tumor throughout the treatment. It works with Accuray’s Synchrony Respiratory Tracking System to track, detect and correct for tumor and patient movement, allowing patients to breathe normally without the need for gating or breath holding techniques;
• Xchange Robotic Collimator Changer, which has the automated ability to change secondary collimators during the treatment, eliminating the need to re-enter the treatment room, while also minimizing related treatment delays; and
• 4D Treatment Optimization and Planning System, which takes into account not only the movement of the tumor, but also the movement and deformation of tissue. Using this system, clinicians can better deliver the prescribed radiation dose to the targeted area while minimizing the damage to surrounding healthy tissue.