National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is the UK's national measurement institute and is a world-leading centre of excellence in accurate measurement standards, science and technology
Elekta has been selected to supply its Synergy 3D IGRT linear accelerator to the UK National Physical Laboratory.
For many decades NPL has carried out dosimetry work on a bespoke linear accelerator, but felt it important to have an update to clinically representative system for development of new standards, optimized for the complex treatments applied to the most challenging cancer treatments today.
Installation of the Elekta Synergy system is expected in June 2008 into a bunker specifically designed to support the advanced research and physics standards work at NPL.
Simon Duane, Radiation Physics, NPL said: "Our aim is to promote best measurement practice through advice, training and services delivered using world-class, clinically relevant facilities and in this respect the Elekta Synergy system fits our requirements.
"We are aware that other standards bodies, including the NRC in Canada, had previously purchased from Elekta and this pedigree was an important factor in our decision", he concluded.
Elekta Synergy is an advanced digital linear accelerator integrating a suite of advanced imaging tools with a digital linear accelerator to allow 3D imaging at the time of treatment, providing clinicians with an unprecedented ability to accurately define and treat tumours.
This innovative radiation therapy treatment system directly addresses the two most persistent and significant problems in modern radiation therapy: internal organ motion and errors in patient set-up.
The result is unmatched clinical confidence and enabling more aggressive treatment of tumours while minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
Today, in routine clinical use at hundreds of centers around the world, Elekta Synergy provides clinicians with an unprecedented ability to accurately define and treat tumors.
David Miles, managing director, Elekta UK business unit, commented: "The work of the NPL is recognised internationally and we are privileged to have been selected.
"A full range of clinical X-ray energies on a single system, including rapid triple energy switching for calibration work, was a critical requirement that had to be met.
"Elekta's digitally controlled Synergy linear accelerator is uniquely placed to offer this versatility ".
