Elekta displays innovative cancer treatments at JASTRO 2007

Hakata, (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - Elekta, a global leader in radiation oncology and non-invasive neurosurgery solutions, demonstrated a very strong presence at the 20th annual meeting of the Japanese Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (JASTRO). With over 1,800 radiation oncologists and radiation therapists in attendance, JASTRO was held December 13-15, 2007 at the Fukuoka Convention Center.

With a theme of "Expanding Treatment Possibilities," the Elekta Group was well represented at this year's JASTRO meeting. Patient immobilization products such as BodyFIX(R) drew attention, as crowds gathered to see the abilities of this dual vacuum immobilization technology. Nearby, the new versions of the ERGO++ dedicated treatment planning system and MOSAIQ(TM) image-enabled oncology electronic medical record (EMR) system attracted visitors who were interested in the Elekta solution for performing Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT)*. VMAT takes Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) a step further, with variable intensity radiation, highly conformal dose distribution and drastically reduced treatment times.

"There was a great deal of interest in VMAT and the complete Elekta package for advanced radiation therapy," says Hideo Watanabe, Managing Director of Elekta KK (Kobe, Japan). "Elekta is increasing awareness of VMAT in Japan through its leadership in VMAT technology and solutions."

Elekta hosted a JASTRO luncheon seminar with speaker Dr. Keiichi Nakagawa of Tokyo University Hospital, the site of the first Elekta Synergy(R) installation in Japan. Nearly 500 attendees packed the hall, many of them standing, to hear Dr. Nakagawa discuss his clinical experiences and prospects for IGRT using Elekta Synergy.

Elekta Synergy users' meeting highlights clinical experience

At the Elekta Synergy users' meeting at the Hotel Nikko Fukuoka, about 40 participants attended seminars on historical and clinical successes with Elekta Synergy, presented by Dr. Nakagawa, Dr. John Wai-Chiu Wong (United States), and Dr. Matthias Guckenberger (Germany). Dr. Kumiko Karasawa of Juntendo University moderated the sessions.

A question-and-answer session followed the seminars, in which Elekta representatives addressed questions from Elekta Synergy users regarding technical issues and plans for Elekta Synergy in Japan. "The session was very well received, and demonstrated Elekta's continued support of Japanese customers," says Watanabe.

Elekta continues to expand its presence in Japan. After receiving regulatory approval for Elekta Synergy last year, deliveries began immediately, adding Elekta Synergy and Elekta Synergy(R) S to an already strong Elekta lineup of Leksell Gamma Knife(R) centers.

About Elekta

Elekta is an international medical technology group, providing oncologists, radiation therapists, neurosurgeons and many other medical specialists with state of the art tools to fight serious disease.

Elekta provides advanced clinical solutions, comprehensive management and information systems as well as services for improved cancer care and management of brain disorders.

Elekta's systems and solutions are used in over 4,500 hospitals around the world. Clinical and information management solutions include, among others, Leksell Gamma Knife(R) for non-invasive treatment of brain disorders, Elekta Axesse(TM) and Elekta Synergy(R) for stereotactic and image guided radiation therapy and radiosurgery as well as the MOSAIQ(TM) suite of software for image-enabled EMR and efficient management of clinical and patient data.

With over 2,000 employees globally, the corporate headquarter is located in Stockholm, Sweden and the company is listed on the Nordic Exchange under the ticker EKTAb. More information about Elekta can be found at www.elekta.com

* Volumetric Intensity Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) from Elekta is a works in progress and not yet available for sale or distribution

SOURCE: Elekta, Inc.
CONTACT: Media,
Michelle Lee,
PR and Advertising Manager,
+1-770-670-2447,
michelle.lee@elekta.com, or
Investors,
Peter Ejemyr,
Group VP Corporate Communications,
+46-733-611-000 mobile,
peter.ejemyr@elekta.com, or
Products,
Peter J. Gaccione,
Vice President,
Global Marketing,
+1-770-670-2380,
peter.gaccione@elekta.com,
all of Elekta, Inc.
Web site: http://www.elekta.com

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