Elekta and Netherlands Cancer Institute (NCI) -Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital Sign Strategic Alliance to Further Cancer Research
AMSTERDAM, June 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Elekta and The Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital (NKI-AVL, Amsterdam, The Netherlands) have signed a strategic alliance to advance cancer research. With a clear focus on the advantages of radiotherapy, both parties intend to collaborate more closely in the coming years to jointly develop new breakthrough solutions that combine multimodality imaging and radiotherapy.
Working in collaboration with Elekta for many years, NKI-AVL was instrumental in the development of cone beam CT (CBCT) imaging technology and its integration with the radiation therapy system. With the assistance of NKI-AVL and other clinical partners, Elekta was the first provider to commercialize CBCT with its X-ray Volume Imaging (XVI) technique. Since then, NKI-AVL has further contributed to the refinement of image guided radiation therapy with 3D and 4D imaging innovations, which facilitate dose escalation and increase delivery accuracy. Both Elekta and NKI-AVL are eager to extend their collaboration to develop image guided adaptive radiotherapy and proton software solutions, in addition to new in vivo dosimetry and breath hold techniques. The formation of the NKI-AVL strategic alliance fully supports all of these efforts.
More than 13 million new cancer cases occur globally every year, of which three million are in Europe, according to the World Health Organization. And as the population ages, the number of cancer cases is expected to rise. Through patient-focused research and development initiatives, Elekta's goal is to increase the effectiveness and accessibility of radiation therapy for these individuals.
"We are pleased Elekta has committed to investing in the relationship and in particular this Strategic Alliance by investing in NKI-AVL research projects," says Prof. Dr. Marcel Verheij, Chair of the Radiation Oncology department at NKI-AVL. "Elekta is an important provider of innovative solutions to treat cancer."
Elekta's President and CEO Tomas Puusepp recently described how patients benefit through the company's growth and research and development leadership.
"Elekta's commitment to expansion and innovation is expected to give many more patients access to world-class, affordable cancer care," he says. "Each year, we invest 8-9 percent of our net sales in research and development with the aim of improving outcomes through the best clinical solutions on the market. This is how we pioneer modern cancer care. This strategic alliance with one of Europe's leading cancer centers is another great proof point of our strategy."
For further information, please contact:
Stina Thorman, Vice President Corporate Communications, Elekta AB
Tel: +46 8 587 254 37, email: stina.thorman@elekta.com
Time zone: CET: Central European Time
Michelle Joiner, Director, Global Public Relations and Brand Management, Elekta
Tel: +1 770-670-2447, email: michelle.joiner@elekta.com
Time zone: ET: Eastern Time
About Elekta
Elekta is a human care company pioneering significant innovations and clinical solutions for treating cancer and brain disorders. The company develops sophisticated, state-of-the-art tools and treatment planning systems for radiation therapy, radiosurgery and brachytherapy, as well as workflow enhancing software systems across the spectrum of cancer care. Stretching the boundaries of science and technology, providing intelligent and resource-efficient solutions that offer confidence to both healthcare providers and patients, Elekta aims to improve, prolong and even save patient lives.
Today, Elekta solutions in oncology and neurosurgery are used in over 6,000 hospitals worldwide. Elekta employs around 3,300 employees globally. The corporate headquarters is located in Stockholm, Sweden, and the company is listed on the Nordic Exchange under the ticker EKTAb. Website: www.elekta.com.
SOURCE Elekta