MD Anderson Cancer Center Adopts CT Scanner For Proton Therapy

DANVERS, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Samsung, an emerging leader in medical imaging technology, announced today that The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas added BodyTom^® CT, the world’s first portable, full-body, 32-slice CT (computed tomography) scanner to its Proton Therapy Center and is now treating patients at the facility using images from the scanner as part of the process.

“Proton therapy represents the next generation of cancer therapy and compassionate care to help patients”

Sometimes tumors shift locations or change in size from the time treatment is planned to when it is administered. Using a portable CT to confirm a tumor’s location and size before each treatment session can ensure the most accurate delivery of proton therapy. Building on the use of CT imaging in the proton therapy treatment planning process, MD Anderson is now using BodyTom’s diagnostic-quality imaging daily for tumor-site checking, said Steven J. Frank M.D., Medical Director of MD Anderson’s Proton Therapy Center.

“Proton therapy is among the best cancer-fighting tools we have, and we are taking advantage of the newest technology available with the hopes of improving patient outcomes,” Frank said. “By incorporating three-dimensional imaging guidance into our treatment process, we aim to enhance the accuracy of proton therapy. Knowing the tumor’s exact location each time we treat a patient ensures radiation is deposited directly to the tumor while sparing adjacent, healthy tissue.”

BodyTom is a self-shielded, multi-departmental imaging solution capable of transforming any room in the hospital into an advanced imaging suite. The system features an 85cm gantry and a 60cm field of view, the largest field of view available in a portable CT scanner. Uniquely designed to accommodate patients of all sizes, BodyTom provides point-of-care imaging wherever high-quality CT images are needed, including the operating room, intensive care unit, oncology treatment facilities and the emergency department. The combination of rapid scan time, flexible settings and immediate image viewing makes the BodyTom a valuable tool to any facility needing versatile real-time portable imaging.

Proton therapy is similar to traditional radiation therapy, but proton beams enter the body with a low dose of radiation, increasing as it approaches the target area and deposits its maximum radiation directly in tumors without traveling beyond them. This means tumors can be targeted precisely, usually within one millimeter, allowing for the delivery of a powerful dose of radiation.

“Proton therapy represents the next generation of cancer therapy and compassionate care to help patients,” said Phil Sullivan, President and CEO of Samsung NeuroLogica. “MD Anderson is one of the most respected cancer centers in the world, one that leads the science of cancer treatment and that other cancer centers follow in designing their own treatment paths. We’re excited to be on the cutting edge and bringing value to this premier cancer center that is investing in its patients.”

The BodyTom portable CT scanner is designed to help medical physicists and radiation oncologists map out a course of treatment at the point of care, in real-time. Clinical studies have shown BodyTom CT to be a safe, highly precise tool for aiding the insertion of implants in anatomically complex procedures such as spinal surgery,¹ enhancing outcomes.²

For more detailed information on BodyTom, visit http://www.neurologica.com/bodytom.

About MD Anderson
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston ranks as one of the world's most respected centers focused on cancer patient care, research, education and prevention. The institution’s sole mission is to end cancer for patients and their families around the world. MD Anderson is one of only 45 comprehensive cancer centers designated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). MD Anderson is ranked No.1 for cancer care in U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Hospitals” survey. It has ranked as one of the nation’s top two hospitals since the survey began in 1990, and has ranked first for nine of the past 10 years. MD Anderson receives a cancer center support grant from the NCI of the National Institutes of Health (P30 CA016672).

About Samsung NeuroLogica
NeuroLogica, the healthcare subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., develops, manufactures and markets innovative imaging technologies and is committed to delivering fast, easy and accurate diagnostic solutions to healthcare providers. NeuroLogica, the global corporate headquarters and manufacturer of Samsung computed tomography, is also the U.S. headquarters for sales, marketing and distribution of all Samsung digital radiography and ultrasound systems. NeuroLogica’s growing portfolio of advanced medical technologies are used worldwide in leading healthcare institutions, helping providers enhance patient care, improve patient satisfaction and increase workflow efficiency. Samsung is committed to being leaders in the field of healthcare imaging. For more information, please visit www.SamsungNeuroLogica.com.

¹ Barsa, P. et al, Intraoperative portable CT-scanner based spinal navigation - a feasibility and safety study. Act Neurotic, DOI 10.1007/s00701-014-2184-8.
² Barsa, P. et al, Open Operating Theatre: Portable CT scanner-based navigation in lumbar pedicle screw insertion. Ear Spine J, DOI 10.1007/s00586-013-2815-4.