Apollo Bengaluru Cancer Unit Launches CyberKnife S7 FIM System

The system is designed to offer a non-invasive alternative for managing a range of cancers, including those of the brain, lung, spine, prostate, and abdomen.

Apollo Cancer Centre (ACC) in Bengaluru has unveiled the CyberKnife S7 FIM robotic radiosurgery system, a new technology for treating cancerous and non-cancerous tumors.

The system is designed to offer a non-invasive alternative for managing a range of cancers, including those of the brain, lung, spine, prostate, and abdomen.

The CyberKnife S7 FIM system employs a linear accelerator mounted on a robotic arm to deliver high-energy X-rays or photons for radiation therapy. This technology allows precise targeting of tumors from thousands of angles, guided by real-time imaging.

According to Apollo, this system may provide an option for patients with tumors that are either inoperable or challenging to address through conventional surgery.

Integration of Advanced Radiosurgery Training

The launch also includes a partnership with CyberKnife Academia and Accuray to provide advanced radiosurgery training.

This initiative aims to educate radiation oncologists, physicists, radiation therapists, and technologists from South Asia and India on effectively using the CyberKnife S7 FIM system. The training is expected to enhance the skill set of healthcare professionals across the region.

Dinesh Gundu Rao, Karnataka’s State Minister for Health and Family Welfare, commented on the potential impact of the new technology, noting, "Cancer can be treated with curative intent if detected early. Introducing this advanced technology will benefit a larger ecosystem of cancer patients."

Dr Preetha Reddy, executive vice chairperson of Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited, highlighted the hospital's ongoing commitment to high standards in cancer care.

She said, “In 2019, Proton therapy was introduced at APCC; it was the first ever in South East Asia and the Middle East. Now, the introduction of CyberKnife S7 technology, the first of its kind in South Asia, epitomizes our steadfast commitment to providing the highest standards of cancer care.”

Apollo Cancer Centre’s new system represents a significant development in the hospital’s efforts to offer advanced treatment options. The center’s focus remains on utilizing advanced technologies to improve cancer patients' outcomes.

Recent Developments and Investments

In other recent updates, Apollo Hospitals Enterprises planned to acquire a stake in its subsidiary Apollo Health and Lifestyle (AHLL) for INR 103.2 Cr. The acquisition will involve the purchase of 3,512,107 equity shares through the rights issue of AHLL.

Last month, Apollo HealthCo, a subsidiary of Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited (AHEL), revealed plans to open three new hospitals in Mumbai and Bengaluru.

This expansion is part of AHEL's broader strategy to invest approximately INR 30 billion over the next three years, intending to add 2,400 beds across various locations.

Apollo Cancer Centre also achieved a notable milestone.

The center recently performed India's first Robotic Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) with Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) for peritoneal surface cancer. This minimally invasive, robotic-assisted procedure offers patients a new standard of care, featuring faster recovery and improved quality of life.