One of the first two MRIdian Linac Systems in the United States will be installed in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Washington University. The machine, developed by ViewRay, Inc., has recently received FDA 510(k) clearance, allowing it to be marketed in the United States.
The MRIdian Linac System will feature magnetic resonance imaging to allow physicians to use real-time MRI guidance to watch the movement of tumors and organs during treatment. Unlike its predecessor (the MRIdian System), the MRIdian Linac System will utilize linear accelerator technology (rather than cobalt) for treatments.
“With MRI-guided radiation therapy, we’re able to watch the movement of tumors and organs in the body as radiation is being delivered and adapt the dose of radiation in real-time, to help ensure the maximum dose reaches the tumor and that surrounding healthy tissue is spared,” said Sasa Mutic, Ph.D., director of Radiation Oncology Physics at Washington University School of Medicine. “This technology helps us treat tumors such those in the lung, liver and pancreas where increased precision is important due to nearby organs and other critical structures.”