GENOA, Italy and Dresden, Germany, March 20, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — ASG Superconductors' (ASG) MgB2 superconducting technology – already used for energy and medical applications, such as the only truly open MROpenEVO magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system of the world – is available The focus of worldwide innovation in the field of proton therapy and cancer treatment using real-time magnetic resonance imaging, presented today in Dresden.
MRI offers the advantage over conventional imaging procedures in that it can display tumors with unsurpassed soft tissue contrast. This makes it possible to better differentiate the tumor from the surrounding healthy tissue and define the volume to be irradiated with greater precision. Furthermore, magnetic resonance guidance is able to map changes in the shape and size of the volume to be irradiated that occur between successive treatment sessions, so that the application of radiation can be adjusted individually and immediately. One of the key points of this scientific and technological advance that will have an impact on cancer treatment is real-time magnetic resonance imaging, which allows the movement of the tumor to be visualized during a radiation session and synchronized with the application of radiation.
With the prototype presented today in Germany at Oncoray – National Center for Radiation Oncology Research – it will in fact be possible, for the first time in the world, to study to what extent the accuracy of proton therapy using real-time MRI for the entire O body can be improved. The head of the “MR-Integrated Experimental Proton Therapy” research group, Prof. Aswin Hoffmann, with whom ASG engineers have been working on developing the new system for years, said: “With this new prototype of the integrated whole-body MRI, it is possible to image tumors with high-contrast images in real time. The aim of our work is to develop a technique with which moving tumors can only be irradiated if they are in the right position to be hit by the proton beam. The MRI device, which can be rotated around the patient, offers the opportunity to use innovative ways of positioning the patient to treat them with protons in both the supine and upright positions.”
The prototype, based on the ASG technology already used in the MROpenEVO system, the only magnetic resonance imaging device in the world with a completely open design and cryogen-free MgB2 superconducting technology, aims to demonstrate in scientific studies the added value of this new modality for treating tumors in the breast areas , abdominal and pelvic. Development and installation as well as commissioning were made possible through close cooperation with international industrial and technological partners such as ASG Superconductors, which is not only the manufacturer of the magnetic resonance device used as a basis, but also has know-how. with a track record in development, design and manufacturing of superconducting MRI magnets from 0.5T up to Ultra High Field 11.7T, while MagnetTx Oncology Solutions, Edmonton/Canada, designed the rotating technology part.
Marco Nassi, General Director of ASG Superconductors, said: “It is a great challenge to contribute to such an innovative technical and scientific project in the field of proton therapy, in close collaboration with highly respected hospitals, partners and universities. We are even more proud that our technologies and expertise in the area of MgB2 superconducting material, magnets and MRI systems can make a significant contribution to making tumor treatment more effective in the near future.”
More information about ASG Superconductors
www.asgsuperconductors.com
More information about MgB2 open MRI technology
www.mropenevo.com
More information about the scientific project
https://www.oncoray.de/
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2315501/ASG_Superconductors.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1949000/ASG_Logo.jpg
View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/precise-tumortreatment-thanks-to-the-superconducting-asg-superconductor-technology-302032571.html
Questions and contact:
LUCA PEZZONI,
+393389414437,
[email protected]