European School of Robotic Stereotactic Radiotherapy Advances With the CyberKnife® M6™ System

SUNNYVALE, California, November 26, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --

Erasmus MC Team Hosts Clinicians from Around-the-World at Fully-Subscribed Course

Accuray Incorporated (Nasdaq: ARAY) announced the second course of the European School of Robotic Stereotactic Radiotherapy at Erasmus MC Center Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands, following the course's successful inauguration in June 2015. The objectives of this School are to:

• Increase awareness of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) among the radiation oncology and medical physics communities;
• Share SBRT knowledge and real-world experience using the CyberKnife® M6™ System; and
• Facilitate CyberKnife use for new applications with experienced users.

     (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151126/291246LOGO )
     (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151126/291247 )

"Erasmus MC Cancer Institute has a long history with Accuray. Working together, we are helping to change the way that cancer is treated," said Dr. Joost Nuyttens, M.D., Ph.D., Radiation Oncologist at Erasmus MC Cancer Institute. "Our Center's extensive technical research and clinical experience with the CyberKnife System have enabled us to experience first-hand the benefits that stereotactic radiotherapy offers to cancer patients. Accuray's support of the School enabled us to share our knowledge with clinicians worldwide through a peer-to-peer forum."

"Stereotactic" in Greek means "movement in space" and refers to 3D workspace to locate the tumor or target of a radiation dose. SBRT precisely targets the tumor to receive a maximum amount of radiation while sparing surrounding healthy tissue from radiation exposure. SBRT is a non-invasive treatment that does not require surgery and reduces the risks of complications sometimes associated with conventional surgery.

Accuray has been working with Erasmus MC Cancer Institute since the Center installed its first CyberKnife System in 2004. The Center was the third site in the EIMEA (Europe, India, Middle East, and Africa) region to install a CyberKnife System. To date, more than 2,000 patients, including those with brain, spine, lung, liver, and prostate cancer have been treated with the two CyberKnife Systems at Erasmus MC.

"Erasmus MC Cancer Institute has reported an expected growth of 21% for SBRT treatment volume between 2012 to 20171. As one of the world's foremost academic oncology centers, this Institute is an important partner for us in advancing the use of SBRT," said Lionel Hadjadjeba, senior vice president, and president, worldwide commercial operations at Accuray. "The European School will contribute to improve the understanding of the added clinical value of robotic stereotactic radiotherapy using the CyberKnife System. With the support of hospitals like Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Accuray is offering precise, innovative radiation oncology treatments to more cancer patients".