By Mark Jones, Chief Technology Officer

Twenty years ago, we embarked on a journey to transform the landscape of proton therapy. We envisioned a future where this powerful cancer-fighting technology could be more accessible, affordable, and seamlessly integrated into existing radiation oncology facilities as a replacement of an existing radiation therapy device. Today, that vision has become a reality.

As the Chief Technology Officer at Mevion Medical Systems, I’ve had the privilege of leading the development of our core technology for the past 19 years. From the MEVION S250i to the groundbreaking MEVION S250-FIT*, our team has relentlessly pursued innovation to overcome the historical limitations of proton therapy.

The recent delivery of the first MEVION S250-FIT system is a testament to our unwavering commitment. This is not just another proton therapy system; it’s a paradigm shift. For the first time, a full proton therapy system is being installed in a room similar to a conventional linear accelerator (LINAC) vault.

This achievement is particularly meaningful for me, having been a part of Mevion since its beginning. We’ve meticulously engineered every aspect of the MEVION S250-FIT to ensure it meets the highest standards of precision, efficiency, and patient comfort. The system's compact design, coupled with the innovative MARIE™ upright patient positioning system from Leo Cancer Care, represents a new era in proton therapy.

Our partnership with RaySearch Laboratories, and the integration of their advanced RayStation treatment planning system, has been instrumental in achieving this milestone. Since 2014, our collaboration has enabled Mevion centers to deliver unique clinical capabilities, including MLC-based pencil beam scanning that optimizes penumbra at all depths and now arc therapy. RayStation's robust features empower clinicians with the precision and efficiency needed to provide exceptional patient care.

The selection of the MEVION S250-FIT further solidifies their position as a leader in advancing cancer care. Together, we are making proton therapy more accessible to patients who can benefit from this advanced treatment modality.

A key component of the MEVION S250-FIT's transformative potential lies in the integration of the MARIE upright patient positioning system developed by Leo Cancer Care. This innovative system, coupling the recent FDA clearance of the EVE patient positioning system with an upright diagnostic CT scanner, offers numerous potential advantages, including enhanced patient comfort and improved organ motion management during treatment by utilizing a more natural position. It's also important to acknowledge Leo Cancer Care's commitment to forming the unique Upright Radiotherapy Research Consortium, a group of leading healthcare systems dedicated to researching and advancing upright radiation therapy for all indications in both adult and pediatric patients.

This is just the beginning. We will continue to push the boundaries of proton therapy technology to ensure that more patients and clinicians have access to its life-saving potential. The future of proton therapy is here, and it’s brighter than ever. 

*The MEVION S250-FIT Proton Therapy System is not yet available for clinical use.