Philips launches HFO Oncology Configuration for radiation therapy

Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) today introduced the Philips Panorama High Field Open (HFO) Oncology Configuration for radiation therapy, a magnetic resonance (MR) imaging solution for dedicated oncology use, at this year's American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO) in San Diego, CA. This system combines the premium soft tissue contrast of MR, which supports tumor visualization, with a spacious patient aperture, which enables patient positioning and offers a more comfortable experience.  In addition, by enabling scans in the treatment position, the Oncology Configuration offers healthcare professionals relevant clinical insight, supports image fusion and provides advanced imaging for radiation therapy planning and follow-up.

"The Philips Panorama HFO Oncology Configuration is proof positive of the continued increase in MR clinical applications and utility," said Gene Saragnese, general manager, Imaging Systems at Philips Healthcare. "Philips has a long history of leadership in oncology solutions and this new solution is the next step in helping to optimize oncology care for patients and clinicians."

For reproducing the treatment position of radiation therapy, the Panorama HFO Oncology Configuration utilizes a flat table top, similar to what is used on the radiation treatment system, and employs an external laser positioning system for patient alignment and marking.  A valuable Quality Assurance package for evaluation of image distortion provides accuracy and integrity of the procedure. Additionally, the main clinical applications are covered with dedicated MR examination protocols that help to streamline clinical workflow integration, and include prostate, head and neck, brain, female pelvis and pediatric.

"Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the western world," said L. Steven Carpenter, M.D., radiation oncologist at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital in Houston, Texas.  "Our frontline medical personnel must be able to plan, perform and track the effectiveness of radiation therapy as accurately as possible. The Philips Panorama HFO Oncology Configuration allows us to make optimal use of the benefits of MR for therapy planning by providing repeatable positioning from staging to planning to treatment, and by offering comfort to our patients. In addition, our radiologists are very pleased with the image quality of this advanced MR system." 

You can also visit us at ASTRO 2010 in Exhibition Area Hall F, booth number 737 at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego.