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Ghaziabad, May 6, 2025 – India has taken a giant leap forward in cancer treatment with the installation of the country’s first-ever Elekta Unity MR Linac system at Yashoda Medicity, Ghaziabad. This cutting-edge technology uniquely combines real-time Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) with precision radiation therapy, enabling doctors to track cancer tumours live and adapt treatment instantly.
What Makes Elekta Unity MR Linac Special?
The Elekta Unity MR Linac integrates a high-resolution 1.5 Tesla MRI scanner with a radiation delivery machine, allowing clinicians to see clear, real-time images of tumours and surrounding healthy tissues during treatment. Unlike traditional methods that rely on CT scans, this MRI-based system offers superior visualization, especially of soft tissues like organs, enhancing treatment accuracy.
One of the standout features is the Comprehensive Motion Management (CMM) capability, which detects even the slightest patient movements – such as breathing or shifting – during therapy. The system automatically adjusts radiation beams in real time to ensure that the cancer cells are targeted precisely, minimizing exposure to healthy tissues.
Personalized and Adaptive Cancer Care
The technology empowers oncologists to modify radiation doses daily based on changes in tumour size, shape, or patient anatomy. This adaptive approach not only improves the effectiveness of treatment but also reduces side effects by sparing nearby organs.
Additionally, the system supports hypo-fractionated treatment, which delivers higher radiation doses over fewer sessions. This results in shorter treatment times and greater patient comfort, especially beneficial for individuals with small tumours or those requiring multiple rounds of radiation.
Remote Treatment Planning and Future Prospects
Elekta Unity MR Linac also enables remote treatment planning, allowing doctors to review and approve therapy protocols from any location. This flexibility accelerates decision-making and improves access to expert care.
Looking ahead, the technology lays the groundwork for Biology-Guided Radiotherapy (BgRT), a promising approach that aims to tailor treatments based on biological signals like gene expression, potentially revolutionizing personalized cancer therapy.
Expert Opinions
Dr. Upasana Arora, Managing Director of Yashoda Medicity, hailed the system as a “transformative step in cancer care,” emphasizing how real-time personalization of radiation sessions can significantly improve patient outcomes and reduce adverse effects.
Dr. Gagan Saini, Vice Chairman and Head of Radiation & Oncology at Yashoda Medicity, highlighted the urgent need for such advanced technology in India, where over 1.4 million new cancer cases are reported annually. “This MR Linac ensures faster, safer, and more precise treatment, especially for patients requiring repeat therapy,” he said.
Setting a New Benchmark in Indian Cancer Care
The installation of the Elekta Unity MR Linac at Yashoda Medicity marks a milestone in India’s fight against cancer. By combining real-time imaging with adaptive radiation therapy, it promises to enhance treatment precision, reduce side effects, and improve patient quality of life. As the technology becomes operational, it is poised to set a new standard for cancer treatment across the country.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on information available as of May 6, 2025. The technology described is subject to ongoing clinical evaluation and regulatory approvals. Patients should consult their healthcare providers for personalized medical advice and treatment options.
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