Choosing a Medical Linear Accelerator? So Many Options.

Over the past several years, a number of new radiotherapy devices have been developed, each offering unique features and benefits. If you are a clinician seeking to purchase a new linear accelerator, the choices are daunting.

In the U.S. radiation therapy market today, the Varian TrueBeam Linear Accelerator remains as the standard of care in many hospitals and clinics; yet its technology was first introduced over a decade ago. Will the TrueBeam be replaced as the most popular linear accelerator? And which machine(s) will replace it in the coming years? There have never been more options to choose from.

MRI/Linacs have already commercialized, like the ViewRay MRIdian, the Elekta Unity, that allow for spectacular image quality during treatment.  And a third contender, the Aurora RT from MagnetTx is soon to be commercialized.

For SRS, there is the ZapX Radiosurgery system, the first ever LINAC that does not require a vault or additional shielding.  It will compete directly with the Varian Edge and the Elekta GammaKnife.

The first ever PET/CT Linac, the RefleXion X1, shows truly remarkable technology, using biology to guide the beam of radiation to the tumor sites.  Of course, this amazing technology comes with a price, and many smaller centers won’t be able to afford such technology.

The Varian Halcyon and Ethos models also promise to be major contenders for years and years to come.  And newer entrants also include the Akesis Gemini and another SRS-capable linac from Panacea called the Hexatron.

The next few years will be pivotal as the radiotherapy market determines what next generation systems will become mainstream. During this period of trial and discovery, some sites are choosing pre-owned medical equipment, like Varian iX, Varian Trilogy, Elekta Synergy and even refurbished Varian TrueBeam models to meet their immediate treatment needs. These sites will be saving the majority of their funds for the next generation equipment. Will it be an MR-Linac? Or a PET/CT Linac? Or something else that will soon be released?

Until then, these facilities believe better results can be obtained by connecting and educating referring physicians about general advancements in radiation therapy using well established, proven technologies such as VMAT, SRS and IGRT.

In summary, with the absence of affordable new generation linear accelerators, cuts in reimbursement and increased competitive pressure from providers, a refurbished linear accelerator may be, at least for now, a less risky, affordable option during this period of transition.