Singapore: Varian Medical Systems received clearance from China's State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) to market the UNIQUE medical linear accelerator, which is a single-energy machine for treating cancer with advanced forms of image-guided radiotherapy.

The versatile UNIQUE system can be used to deliver intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and RapidArc treatments, which precisely target tumors while minimizing exposure of surrounding healthy tissues.

The UNIQUE radiotherapy system is the world's first low-energy (6MV) radiotherapy system that can be outfitted with high-tech image-guidance, beam shaping, and RapidArc technology for rapid treatment delivery. It also includes the latest release of Varian's market leading Eclipse treatment planning software, offering clinicians a seamless workflow for planning and delivering advanced radiotherapy treatments. It is a cost effective solution designed to make access to quality care more widely available to cancer patients around the world.

Mr Tom Duffy, head, oncology systems business, Asia, Varian Medical, said that, "Many departments operate two or three shifts to keep up with the demand for access to radiotherapy treatment. In recognition of the challenge, the Chinese Ministry of Health announced a dramatic increase in the number of licenses available to hospitals for the purchase of additional accelerators. Varian created the UNIQUE system to help address the need for greater access to care in China and other parts of the world."

The UNIQUE system is available in two configurations, including the UNIQUE Performance Edition, which incorporates all the tools needed for image-guided RapidArc radiotherapy, and the UNIQUE Power Edition, a more basic platform that can be upgraded at a later time. Either package is ideal for treatment centers looking to transition from older cobalt units to modern radiotherapy technology. The small footprint of the UNIQUE accelerator allows it to fit into most small, existing treatment vaults.