In the realm of cancer treatment, innovation is not just desirable—it's essential. Advancements in radiation therapy have been significant, but challenges persist, especially with traditional proton therapy systems. These systems have historically been characterized by their cumbersome size, exorbitant costs, intricate design, and extended deployment timelines. However, with the pioneering efforts of Mevion Medical Systems and Leo Cancer Care, these challenges are being met head-on, paving the way for a seamless upgrade to radiation oncology services with the introduction of the MEVION S250-FIT Proton Therapy System*.
In this webinar hosted by The National Association for Proton Therapy, distinguished experts from Stanford Health Care, Washington University in St. Louis, H&H Design Build, and Mevion offer a comprehensive examination of site planning, shielding requirements, and construction logistics concerning the FIT proton therapy system. Additionally, updates on the ongoing advancements of the FIT system deployment at Stanford are discussed.
Engineering FIT Smaller
Dr. Lionel Bouchet, SVP of Commercial Development at Mevion, starts the webinar by discussing Mevion's origins in 2004, when the organization was founded by Harvard scientists and MGH clinicians in collaboration with MIT. Since then, Mevion has been at the forefront of revolutionizing proton therapy for over two decades, beginning with the advancement of the world's smallest accelerator that is well-suited for IMPT and FLASH therapy*, all the way through the current innovation, the FIT system, that can fit in a LINAC vault.
Jeff Anderson, Director of Site Design and Construction at Mevion, outlines the company's innovative journey. Recognizing the limitations of traditional proton therapy systems, Mevion embarked on a mission to disrupt the status quo. The result? The MEVION S250i Proton Therapy System, a groundbreaking solution that streamlines project durations, reduces building system demands, and minimizes the footprint required for installation.
Building upon this success, the MEVION S250-FIT Proton Therapy System takes innovation to new heights. As Jeff discusses, by integrating installation, service, and treatment systems into a single unit, Mevion has effectively minimized complexity and enhanced robustness. Furthermore, advancements in electronic systems packaging, water-cooling, and power distribution modules have optimized performance and serviceability while significantly reducing space requirements.
Upgrade a LINAC Vault to FIT: Shielding Considerations
Tianyu Zhao, Ph.D., Professor of Radiation Oncology and Chief of Proton Medical Physics and Services at Washington University School of Medicine, discusses shielding considerations when upgrading a LINAC vault to the FIT system. An analytical model demonstrates and confirms the Monte Carlo simulation of a simple vault modification. Vault size, use factor, and workload are among the factors he discusses, highlighting the meticulous planning required for seamless integration.
Feasibility, site planning, design, project planning, and construction management for FIT
Frank Heinz, President and CEO of H&H Design-Build, explains how the FIT system's engineering innovation has simplified infrastructure needs. With existing systems meeting HVAC requirements and tailored solutions for power distribution, the FIT system offers a cost-effective and efficient upgrade path. Frank provides valuable insights into construction costs, making a compelling case for the economic feasibility of adopting the FIT system.
Stanford health care fit project
Keith McClain, Director of Radiation Therapy Operations at Stanford Health Care, shares insights into the ongoing FIT build-out at Stanford—a testament to the collaborative efforts between Stanford, Mevion, Leo Cancer Care, and RaySearch. With a focus on minimal disruption to clinical operations and an expedited path to patient treatment, the Stanford project exemplifies the transformative potential of the FIT system.
paradigm shift in radiation oncology
By addressing the challenges inherent in traditional proton therapy systems, Mevion has unlocked new possibilities for cancer treatment. With its compact design, streamlined installation process, and enhanced performance, the MEVION S250-FIT Proton Therapy System is poised to redefine the standard of care, offering hope and healing to patients worldwide.
For more proton therapy information, visit our Mev-Ionosphere blog.
*The MEVION S250-FIT Proton Therapy System and FLASH therapy are not yet available for clinical use.
