New ETHOS suite opens at Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre

A new £3.5million ETHOS AI-enhanced linear accelerator, used to carry out targeted radiotherapy, has been hailed as a significant step forward in cancer treatment at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre. 

The new treatment suite was officially opened today by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Medical Director Dr Jennifer Armstrong. 

She said: “The combination of technological advancement and the highest clinical care standards means that care provision at The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre continues to lead the way in how healthcare professionals deal with this disease.” 

The equipment, supplied by Varian Medical Systems, a Siemens Healthineers company, uses the latest artificial intelligence (AI) to power the adaptive radiotherapy process, allowing clinicians to adjust a patient’s radiation treatment to reflect daily anatomical changes to the tumour and surrounding tissue, typically within a 15-minute timeslot. 

Real-time images can be recorded in seconds and treatment plans can be modified if, for instance, organs have shifted position or the radiotherapy target has changed shape or size, 

And supported software allows clinicians to make changes to treatment plans much more quickly, reducing the amount of time patients have to spend in the linear accelerator. 

Martin Glegg, Acting Head, Radiotherapy Physics, said: “This is revolutionary new equipment which will offer improved treatment to our patients here at the Beatson.”  

Head of Radiotherapy Eithne MacPherson added: "Our radiographers have a wealth of imaging experience and knowledge and the new equipment will allow us to make even better use of this when we are treating patients.” 

Laurent Amiel, President Radiation Oncology Solution Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) at Varian, a Siemens Healthineers company, said: “Collaboration with global cancer centres is key to expanding access to care and creating a world without fear of cancer. Varian is proud to collaborate with the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre to make this advanced cancer treatment technology available to the patients across the region.” 

Regional Director Susan Groom said: “This kind of investment in new technology is a cornerstone of how the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre approaches the treatment of our patients. Our clinicians are entirely focussed on providing the best treatment they possibly can by embracing  innovative treatment that can have a positive impact on patient care.” 

PICTURE INFO: Laurent Amiel, President Radiation Oncology Solution Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) at Varian, left, and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Medical Director Dr Jennifer Armstrong, third from left, with Varian and Beatson teams in new ETHOS suite.