June 16, 2014 — Varian Medical Systems introduced the ProBeam Compact proton therapy system at the annual meeting of the Particle Therapy Co-Operative Group (PTCOG 53). The new compact, single-room system is designed to minimize the cost and space requirements for deploying a proton therapy system making its adoption into existing cancer centers more feasible and affordable.
A ProBeam Compact installation includes a space-efficient cyclotron, Varian's Dynamic Peak scanning technology for intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT), a fully rotational gantry, robotic patient positioning tools and a comprehensive suite of motion management tools. It incorporates an integrated 2- and 3-D imager for real-time image guidance, as well as the option of planning and managing treatments using Varian's world class Eclipse and ARIA software systems.
The system is operated using the same interface Varian developed for its industry leading TrueBeam platform, offering users a streamlined treatment console that consolidates controls for imaging, treatment, and motion management in one graphical, user-friendly interface. Operators who use Varian technology to plan and deliver conventional radiotherapy will have an easy time ramping up to use the ProBeam system because they can leverage their prior experience with other Varian systems.
"It has been exciting to see how therapists working with the system at Scrippsin San Diego are able to accommodate so many patients in a day," said Jan Timmer, senior manager of product marketing for Varian's Particle Therapy division. A complete ProBeam system was installed at Scripps and patient treatments commenced there earlier this year (read Scripps' February announcement). "The ProBeam system eliminates a number of time consuming steps. For example, the robotic treatment couch is operated remotely from the control room, and moves automatically into position based on 3-D images. Many other systems require the therapist to enter the room to make manual adjustments," Timmer added.
On June 13, in conjunction with the 53rd annual PTCOG conference, Varian co-sponsored a symposium entitled "Potentials and Challenges of IMPT Using Proton or Heavy Ion," chaired by Joe Y. Chang, M.D., Ph.D., professor and clinical section chief for thoracic radiation oncology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Distinguished speakers from proton therapy facilities in Europe, the United States and Japan presented on a range of topics including clinical commissioning, indications/advantages, motion management, planning optimization, quality assurance and image-guided delivery.
In addition to the most recent installation at the Scripps Proton Therapy Center in San Diego, Varian proton therapy technology is also in place at the Rinecker Proton Therapy Center in Munich, Germany, and the Paul Scherrer Institute in Switzerland. Varian has contracts to install ProBeam systems at seven additional centers at the University of Maryland in Baltimore; Emory University in Atlanta; Cincinnati Children's Hospital in Ohio; University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas; KFMC-King Fahd Medical City in Saudi Arabia; PTC St. Petersburg in Russia; and National Taiwan University in Taipei.
For more information: www.varian.com
May 03, 2025 
