Integrating Technology and Patient-Centricity in Radiation Oncology

Benn Perkins, Head of Product Marketing, Region Intercontinental, Elekta

Benn has extensive experience in radiation oncology, having worked in clinical, academic, and product deve- lopment roles, contributing to product development and providing clinical support for conferences and teaching courses worldwide.

In a conversation with Prisila (Correspondent, Asia Business Outlook Magazine), Benn shared his views on how does radiation oncology and advanced technology, like linear accelerators, enhance pre- cision and personalized cancer treatment for patients.

Technological advancements are designed not just to enhance treatment precision but also to simplify the workflow for healthcare providers

Could you please provide a brief overview of how radiation oncology contributes to the broader field of cancer treatment?

Radiation oncology is a highly specialized branch of medicine that focuses on the use of targeted radiation therapy to treat cancer. This field employs high-energy radiation, such as X-rays or protons, to destroy cancer cells while minimizing damage to nearby healthy tissue. The goal of radiation oncology is to effectively and safely halt the growth and spread of cancer cells, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

In the broader context of cancer treatment, radiation oncology plays a pivotal role. It is often employed as a primary treatment option, particularly when surgery is not feasible or to enhance the effectiveness of surgical interventions. Additionally, radiation therapy may be combined with chemotherapy or as part of a multidisciplinary approach, tailored to the specific needs and characteristics of each patient.

Radiation oncologists work closely with other healthcare professionals, including medical oncologists and surgeons, to develop comprehensive treatment plans. Using advanced imaging techniques and computer simulation tools, these experts precisely target tumors, ensuring maximum treatment efficacy with minimal impact on healthy tissues. They also closely monitor patients throughout their treatment journey, adjusting radiation doses and schedules as necessary to optimize outcomes while minimizing side effects.

Can you explain the journey of radiation oncology in the treatment of cancer patients and its significant role in the overall process?

Radiation oncology is a key component in the cancer treatment journey. It is used to shrink tumors, alleviate symptoms, or eliminate cancer cells after surgery. Its targeted approach helps ensure a comprehensive and tailored treatment plan for each patient. Therefore, radiation therapy (RT) has had a critical role in revolutionizing the fight against cancer over the last decades. With its unparalleled precision, minimal side effects, and cost-effectiveness, RT is an essential treatment modality. Although it should be employed as a primary or adjuvant treatment for over 60 percent of all cancer cases worldwide, today many patients in both emerging and mature countries do not have access to it. As one of the most effective treatments for cancer, RT has the potential to save millions of lives, improve quality of life, and reduce health care costs. I’m convinced that RT deserves more recognition and investment.

Patients can receive RT at almost any point in their treatment journey. Before or after surgery, with chemotherapy, or on its own.

How does innovative technology, particularly linear accelerators, improve precision and effectiveness in cancer treatment?

Innovative technology, notably linear accelerators (linacs), enhances precision and efficacy in cancer treatment by delivering radiation with the utmost accuracy. Linacs are crucial in effectively targeting cancerous cells while sparing healthy tissue. They employ advanced features such as intelligent treatment planning and image guidance systems, substantially refining the precision of treatment. Through these advancements, radiation is meticulously directed, ensuring optimal outcomes for patients undergoing cancer treatment.

Linacs are designed with sophisticated software, which enables advanced targeting that ensures the precise delivery of radiation therapy. This level of precision minimizes the impact on healthy tissue, leading to improved patient outcomes and reduced side effects.

Technology is engineered to not only deliver precise treatment but also to optimize the cost of ownership for healthcare providers. By enhancing operational efficiency and minimizing maintenance requirements, we strive to make advanced technology economically viable.

By prioritizing adaptability by continually innovating its technology to meet evolving healthcare needs. This includes a focus on minimizing environmental impact and optimizing the total cost of ownership, ensuring long-term value for users.

How does the incorporation of eco-friendly features, such as Green Beam Technology, contribute to both clever technology and environmental responsibility in linear accelerators?

The incorporation of eco-friendly features like Green Beam Technology in linear accelerators represents the intersection of clever technology and environmental responsibility. Devices with Green Beam Technology use approximately 30 percent less energy than conventional systems, which offers healthcare providers both high-tech performance and a reduced environmental impact.

Minimal environmental impact aligns with the broader goal of creating sustainable healthcare practices. By reducing the carbon footprint of cancer treatment, we need to contribute to the overall sustainability of healthcare services on a global scale. An article published in an international medical physics journal in 2023 underscored the positive impact of sustainable technology. Notably, it provided evidence that the carbon footprint associated with healthcare services, particularly using linacs, is significantly lower compared to other systems.

In terms of clever technology, can you highlight some intelligent features in the devices that facilitate a personalized and patient-centric approach to cancer treatment?

Devices are incorporate intelligent features such as adaptive planning and real-time imaging, facilitating a personalized and patient-centric approach to cancer treatment. These features ensure that treatment plans are tailored to each patient's unique needs and responses.

Technological advancements are designed not just to enhance treatment precision but also to simplify the workflow for healthcare providers. This streamlining contributes to a more cost-effective operation, ensuring efficiency in cancer treatment. A recent UK study showed that linacs use on average, 50 percent less electrical power across all measured states compared to competitive products.

Advancements in cancer care extend to the patient as well with the device that records real-time patient-reported data to deliver actionable insights and inform real-time interventions - equipping clinicians to make the right treatment decisions at the right time.