Philips' SmartArc Solution Helps Moffitt Cancer Center Reduce Radiation Treatment Time

Leading cancer center delivers first clinical VMAT treatment in the U.S. planned with innovative SmartArc


TAMPA, Fla., Nov. 13  /PRNewswire/ -- Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE:PHGNYSE: AEX:NYSE:PHI) today announced that a gynecological patient at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Fla. became the first patient in the United States to receive radiation therapy planned with Philips' Pinnacle3 SmartArc technology.  SmartArc technology provides advanced tools for volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) treatment planning, an advanced form of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) in which a precise radiation dose is delivered in single or multiple arcs around the patient.  VMAT benefits the patient by: significantly reducing treatment time, compared with traditional IMRT; increasing accuracy; and potentially sparing healthy tissue.

Clinicians at Moffitt utilized the SmartArc module to plan the VMAT treatment, which was delivered by a Trilogy® linear accelerator from Varian Medical Systems and the MOSAIQ(TM) image-enabled oncology information system from Elekta Impac Software.  The SmartArc module is available with Philips' Pinnacle3 version 9 radiation treatment planning software.

"The application of Philips' SmartArc planning technology to VMAT provides a significant advantage to current IMRT treatments, in terms of target coverage and normal tissue sparing," said Craig W. Stevens, M.D., Ph.D., chair, Department of Radiation Oncology at Moffitt.  "Shortened treatment times will be more comfortable for the patient and also much more accurate by reducing intra-fraction patient/tumor motion.  SmartArc will enable us to improve patient care and comfort, while increasing patient throughput."

Dr. Stevens noted that Moffitt's radiation oncology team will soon expand the use of SmartArc in planning treatment for other disease sites such as prostate, head and neck, lung and brain.

Commissioning of Philips' SmartArc technology was performed by Vladimir Feygelman, Ph.D., faculty physicist at Moffitt, who stated, "We were really pleased with the accuracy of the calculation, the ease of commissioning and planning, and the flexibility of the software allowing it to be implemented in our multi-vendor environment."

"Philips' SmartArc integrates seamlessly into radiation therapy departments since it is the only planning solution designed to work with linear accelerators, as well as record and verify systems, from all major manufacturers," said Sue Wallace, Ph.D., general manager, Philips Radiation Oncology Systems.  "This flexibility enables our world-class partners, such as Moffitt, to provide the best treatment options for their patients."

About Royal Philips Electronics

Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE:PHGNYSE:AEX:NYSE:PHI) is a diversified Health and Well-being company, focused on improving people's lives through timely innovations. As a world leader in healthcare, lifestyle and lighting, Philips integrates technologies and design into people-centric solutions, based on fundamental customer insights and the brand promise of "sense and simplicity".  Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips employs more than 118,000 employees in more than 60 countries worldwide.  With sales of $38 billion in 2008, the company is a market leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as lifestyle products for personal well-being and pleasure with strong leadership positions in flat TV, male shaving and grooming, portable entertainment and oral healthcare.  News from Philips is located at http://www.philips.com/newscenter

About Moffitt Cancer Center

Located in Tampa, Florida, Moffitt Cancer Center is an NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center - a designation that recognizes Moffitt's excellence in research and contributions to clinical trials, prevention and cancer control.  Moffitt currently has 15 affiliates in Florida, one in Georgia and two in Puerto Rico. Additionally, Moffitt is a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, a prestigious alliance of the country's leading cancer centers, and is listed in U.S. News & World Report as one of "America's Best Hospitals" for cancer.  Moffitt's sole mission is to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer. 

DATASOURCE: Philips Healthcare



CONTACT:  Steve Kelly, [phone], , or Ian

Race, [phone], , both of Philips Healthcare



Web Site:  http://www.philips.com/newscenter 

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