C-RAD AB: First results from Paraselsus Medical University
Press release 2011-06-27
First results from Paracelsus Medical University at Salzburg Universitätsklinik with the C-RAD GEMini detector
C-RAD AB with its four fully owned subsidiaries are all active in the field of radiation therapy. C-RAD AB and the Paracelsus Medical University at Universitätsklinik für Radiotherapie und Radio- Onkologie in Salzburg, Austria end of last year signed an agreement to clinically integrate the GEMini ED detector with an Elekta linac system.
Universitätsklinik für Radiotherapie und Radio- Onkologie in Salzburg is one of the leading clinics in advanced radiation therapy in Austria. The clinic has four linac systems from Elekta installed. The Paracelsus Medical University has a long experience in flat panel imaging and is continuously working on a software platform for radiation therapy called open-radART with related imaging modules. The Clinic and the University have long term relationships with Elekta and Siemens.
The C-RAD project has been planned in three different phases. The first phase is integration and a pre-clinical test phase carried on an Elekta linac with the GEMini detector. The electro mechanical integration in the linear accelerator`s portal imaging arm as well as the software integration has successfully been carried through. Measurements on the GEMini ED detector have been performed both with and without ArCO2 (a mixture of argon and carbon dioxide). Without gas the system shows linearity in dose rate response and stability. With gas the detector is becoming more sensitive. At present the dynamic range without gas is too low. As a result of the studies by Heinz Deutschmann and his colleagues at radART the parties have agreed both to modify the gas system and the segmentation of the GEMs. These changes will be implemented end of August. The first images of patients will be acquired in September.
Erik Hedlund, CEO, C-RAD AB:
”Earlier tests with GEMini ED systems have proven excellent data regarding radiation resistance and frame rate.
The main objective of the cooperation with Heinz Deutschmann has his team at the Paracelsus University and the Salzburg Universitätsklinik is to get clinical approval and acceptance of the GEMini technology. The suggested design changes will during summer be introduced. "
Heinz Deutschmann, administrative head of radART institute at Paracelsus Medical University, chief physicist:
“Working with C-RAD on the development of the new imaging device is very motivating for our team and scientifically of utmost interest. The close and very interactive collaboration with Sweden gives us a chance to develop things in fast interactions. We hope to be able to present first clinically accepted images after a few design changes in September of this year. Phantom studies performed with irradiation tests on our linear accelerator clearly showed the potential to achieve this goal.”
For further information:
Erik Hedlund, CEO C-RAD AB, Phone 018 - 66 69 31, E-mail erik.hedlund@c-rad.se