The future of radiotherapy

On the 6th May at the 36th ESTRO (European Society for Radiotherapy & Oncology) meeting, Elekta introduced Elekta Unity, the only magnetic resonance radiation therapy (MR/RT) system that integrates a (1.5 Tesla) MRI scanner with an advanced linear accelerator and software.

Through intelligent and pioneering design, Elekta Unity combines the best of both worlds to create a new paradigm for cancer care and provide extraordinary potential for ‘hard to treat’ cancer.

In 2012, as part of a wider engagement, DCA Design International worked with Elekta to create a future vision for the industrial design and usability of Elekta’s MR-linac system, recently unveiled as Elekta Unity.

The extensive project drew on DCA’s full service offering. The future vision was informed by a detailed evidence base and grounded with collaborative technical review. A body of evidence was collected from visits to seven treatment sites worldwide, over 90 hours of observations (approximately 360 treatment sessions) and over 50 in-depth interviews with health care professionals, thought-leaders and system stakeholder. As well as providing a grounded, aspirational, vision for the Unity system, the broad evidence base and detailed design language has informed the development of a number of other projects within Elekta.

“It was a real pleasure for DCA to work with Elekta’s project team on such an exciting and game changing development. Throughout the engagement Elekta clearly demonstrated a commitment to evidence based decision making, placing the needs of the patients and health care professionals firmly at the centre of their vision for the future of radiotherapy, affirming Elekta’s position as a world leader in their field”.

Rob Woolston (DCA - Managing Director)

Note: Elekta Unity is a work in progress and not available for sale or distribution.

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