Advanced Cancer Treatment Equipment From Varian Medical Systems to be Installed in Four Scottish Cities.

Business Editors/Health & Medical Writers

CRAWLEY, England--(BW HealthWire)--Feb. 26, 2002

Hospital radiotherapy departments in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, and Glasgow are installing new advanced technology for treating cancer, thanks to the efforts of the NHS Scotland National Plan, Scottish Healthcare Supplies, and the Scottish Cancer Treatment Centres. Six state-of-the-art linear accelerator systems are being acquired from Varian Medical Systems (NYSE:VAR), the world's leading manufacturer of integrated cancer therapy systems, in a program valued at almost 7m Pounds Sterling.

This expands the long standing, successful working relationship that Scottish Healthcare Supplies and the Scottish Radiotherapy centres have had with Varian Medical Systems since 1989. Under a contract signed last August, two linear accelerator systems were shipped to Aberdeen in December of 2001; the rest are scheduled to ship throughout 2002.

The medical linear accelerators feature the most advanced technology for treating cancer with radiotherapy. Each unit is being equipped with a high resolution multileaf collimator, an accessory that has 120 computer-controlled mechanical "leaves" used to shape the beam of radiation so that it conforms precisely to the three-dimensional shape of the tumour being treated. The units also feature digital imaging systems for patient positioning and quality assurance. Together with Varian's computer planning systems and special software called Helios(TM), these systems are able to deliver a form of treatment called SmartBeam(TM) IMRT or intensity modulated radiation therapy.

This enables the radiation oncologist to specifically target the tumour whilst sparing normal healthy and sensitive surrounding tissues to a far greater degree than previously possible with radiation therapy.

"Varian Medical Systems is proud to be the partner of choice by the Scottish Health Department and its radiotherapy community in its aim to bring the best possible treatment facilities to their patients," said Walter Frei, Varian Medical Systems' European vice president of marketing and sales operations. "This significant investment by the Scottish Healthcare system ensures that the latest technology is available to deliver the most advanced treatments equal to best practices throughout the world to the Scottish people."

"This is a major step forward," said Dr. Hugh MacDougall of The Edinburgh Cancer Centre at the Western General Hospital, Edinburgh. "It allows Consultant Clinical Oncologists at the Scottish Cancer Centres to start to provide appropriate, sophisticated, cutting edge technology in the treatment of many cancers. Although it is only the beginning of what is planned to re-equip the radiation oncology facilities in Scotland, it is a major morale boost and should provide reassurance to our patients."

According to Miles Moorhouse, acting director of Scottish Healthcare Supplies, his organisation, as part of the NHS Scotland National Plan, worked closely with the Cancer Treatment Centres and the Scottish Executive to negotiate an excellent package for Scottish Trusts, which provides state-of-the-art technology at very competitive prices. "Overall, this is a good example of what can be achieved through a well co-ordinated procurement exercise, using the purchasing power of NHS Scotland to achieve best value for money for the service," he said.

Varian Medical Systems, Inc., (NYSE:VAR) of Palo Alto, Calif., is the world's leading manufacturer of integrated cancer therapy systems as well as X-ray tubes and flat-panel sensors for imaging in medical, scientific, and industrial applications. Varian Medical Systems employs approximately 2,570 people and reported sales of $774 million in its most recent fiscal year ended September 28, 2001. For more information, visit www.varian.com.