Radiation delivery technology is becoming more effective at treating cancer, according to a new report from research firm KLAS.
The new report, Radiation Delivery 2010: A Precise Dose of Market Reality, examines nine products supported by four main vendors and reports that products are not only becoming more effective, but are doing so at a faster pace than they have in the past.
"Although it is difficult to compare radiation delivery products, providers are comparing the options available to them as best they can as they make purchasing decisions," said Monique Rasband, KLAS research director and author of the report. "Our intent is to make that comparison process easier."
To make the varied radiation delivery product offerings more comparable, Rasband divided the study into two segments: radiation oncology and radiosurgery/radiation therapy. Radiation oncology consists of linear accelerators, which tend to be more versatile and are often considered by providers with tighter budget constraints. Radiosurgery/radiation therapy is made up of specialized products and are often a good option for organizations that are looking to draw in patient referrals and/or differentiate themselves.
Providers report that oncology solutions perform well overall. Some exceptions, such as limitations in integration, make the selection process difficult – and no oncology vendor is immune.
TomoTherapy and Accuray operate as if they are on an island, according to the KLAS report. Varian and Elekta both offer a full suite of oncology products, but providers say that working with the same vendor does not necessarily take away integration headaches.
"When it comes to solving integration issues, some providers feel that vendors do too much finger- pointing and not enough problem resolution," said Rasband.
TomoTherapy's Hi-Art was the top ranked radiosurgery/radiation therapy product with an overall score of 86.8 out of 100 and Varian Clinac iX was the top ranked radiation oncology solution with an overall score of 86.6.
Accuray CyberKnife System, Elekta Leksell Gamma Knife, Elekta Leksell Gamma Knife Perfexion and Varian Novalis Tx were included in the radiosurgery/radiation therapy findings. Elekta Infinity, Elekta Synergy and Varian Trilogy were included in the radiation oncology research.
