Fortis Gurugram Unveils Advanced MR Linac Tech for Cancer Treatment

The MR Linac enhances cancer treatment precision by enabling real-time imaging and adjustments during radiation therapy.

Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI) in Gurugram has introduced the Elekta Unity MR Linac, an advanced machine that combines Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) with radiation therapy.

This claims to be the first installation of the MR Linac in North India and Haryana and only the second in the country.

The MR Linac is designed to enhance the precision and effectiveness of cancer treatment by allowing real-time imaging and adjustments during radiation therapy sessions.

Cancer Treatment with Real-Time Imaging

The MR Linac machine, equipped with a 1.5 Tesla MRI, offers detailed imaging of tumors during radiation therapy, enabling doctors to track the size and position of tumors in real time.

This capability allows for more accurate treatment, reducing the risk of damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

With more precise targeting, patients can expect fewer side effects and potentially improved treatment outcomes.

According to Dr Anil Kumar Anand, Senior Director and Head of the Radiation Oncology Department at Fortis Gurugram, around 57% of cancers occur in soft tissues, which are difficult to image using traditional methods.

The MR Linac’s high-resolution MR imaging during therapy helps target these complex tumors more effectively, even as they shift or change size during treatment.

This real-time adaptability reduces uncertainty, enabling adjustments to the radiation dose as the tumor responds.

Christian Kamill, Chargé d'Affaires at the Embassy of Sweden; Dr Virender Yadav, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Gurugram; Dr Ashutosh Raghuvanshi, Managing Director and CEO of Fortis Healthcare; and Dr Anil Kumar Anand, attended the launch event of the MR Linac

Christian Kamill emphasized the importance of international collaboration in advancing healthcare, highlighting the partnership between Fortis Healthcare and Elekta, the Swedish company that developed the MR Linac technology.

Kamill noted that this collaboration is an example of how cutting-edge technologies can cross borders to improve patient care and outcomes. Swedish companies, he added, play a significant role in driving global healthcare solutions.

Addressing the Cancer Burden in India

At the event, Dr Virender Yadav, Gurugram’s CMO, underlined the need for advanced cancer treatment options in India, where cancer is the second leading cause of death.

He pointed out that technologies like the MR Linac can greatly improve cancer care by offering more precise and effective treatment methods.

By increasing access to such sophisticated technologies, India can improve cancer survival rates and enhance the quality of life for patients.

Dr Yadav also stressed the importance of developing skills among healthcare professionals to handle these advanced machines and making such treatments widely accessible across the country.

Dr Ashutosh Raghuvanshi, CEO of Fortis Healthcare, highlighted the significance of the MR Linac in tackling India's growing cancer burden.

He explained that Fortis is committed to precision oncology, focusing on using technological innovations to enhance the accuracy and efficacy of cancer treatments.

The installation of the MR Linac at FMRI is a step toward providing advanced care to cancer patients in India.