Elekta pioneers modern cancer care through R&D leadership
More than 13 million new cancer cases occur globally every year, of which 3 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 make treatment more available and promising for these people. Elekta’s President and CEO, Tomas Puusepp, recently described how patients benefit through the company’s growth and R&D leadership.
Speaking at a Capital Markets Day, in conjunction with the 2012 European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ESTRO) exhibition, Tomas Puusepp said Elekta’s portfolio of leading-edge integrated solutions and services mean more people can be treated. “Every year, about 1 million patients benefit from treatment with an Elekta solution,” he said. “And our commitment to expansion and innovation is expected to give many more patients access to first-rate and affordable cancer care. Each year we invest 8-9% of our net sales in R&D with the aim of improving outcomes through the best clinical solutions on the market. This is how we pioneer modern cancer care.”
Dee Mathieson, Senior Vice President, Oncology Business Line Management, said: “Elekta is working with leading clinicians to address the challenge of improving treatment of some of the major cancers, such as lung, breast and prostate cancers. Through ongoing collaboration with our research groups, we create solutions that advance clinical outcomes. Our latest solution, Agility*™, is a great example of this.”
Agility is Elekta’s revolutionary multileaf collimator (MLC) that further enhances high-precision beam shaping around the tumor; features low leakage to minimize dose delivery to healthy tissue; and shortens treatment times. Elekta has collaborated closely with leading hospitals and research institutions to develop this solution, which can increase the throughput of patients while delivering outstanding precision.
Clarity®is another example of Elekta’s innovative solutions. Clarity takes soft tissue visualization to entirely new levels, using ultrasound images to accurately identify soft tissue structures during planning and treatment. It is an affordable and ideal platform for motion management, increasing the clinician’s confidence.
“Elekta has a clear strategy to develop complete and leading-edge solutions with patient care in focus,” Puusepp said. “This is part of Elekta’s evolution in cancer care and will grow our company while delivering clinical benefits and positive patient outcomes.”
Elekta showcased its portfolio at ESTRO (May 9-13) through the ‘Elekta Cancer Care Clinic’, a simulated reception, pre-treatment and simulation rooms, doctor’s office, treatment planning and physics rooms, and a treatment delivery suite. This “clinic” allowed Elekta to demonstrate the breadth and scope of its comprehensive, integrated offerings.
For questions, please contact:
Stina Thorman, Vice President Corporate Communications, Elekta AB (publ)
+46 8 587 25 437, stina.thorman@elekta.com
Johan Andersson Melbi, Investor Relations Manager, Elekta AB (publ)
+46 702 100 451, johan.anderssonmelbi@elekta.com
The above information is such that Elekta AB (publ) shall make public in accordance with the Securities Market Act and/or the Financial Instruments Trading Act. The information was published at 15.15 CET on May 10, 2012.
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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.