Assam signs agreement to install proton beam therapy machine in Guwahati
The state is partnering with Belgium-based Ion Beam Applications to build a specialised cancer-care platform in the Northeast.
Assam has entered into an agreement with Belgium-based Ion Beam Applications (IBA) to install a proton beam therapy machine in Guwahati, according to Urban Acres. The project aims to establish a specialised cancer-care platform in the Northeast region.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated at the signing ceremony that the state is preparing for next-generation technologies, such as multi-ion carbon therapy and Flash radiotherapy, once they reach clinical availability. IBA is looking into these technologies for the state in addition to the proton therapy project.
IBA CEO and vice-chairman Olivier Legrain told The Times of India that the company is developing two Flash radiotherapy technologies, DynamicARC and ConformalFLASH. He noted that DynamicARC could be closer to clinical use in about three years, while the timeline for ConformalFLASH depends on research and clinical trials.
Dr Siddharth Laskar of Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, said Flash radiotherapy could increase patient throughput and reduce treatment-room occupancy. This could help address practical constraints regarding the number of patients treated by existing machines and clinical teams.
IBA India director Rakesh Pathak said the company intends to bring advanced cancer-treatment technologies to India through collaborations with governments and healthcare providers. The agreement does not yet specify the installation date, capital cost, or the institution that will host the machine in Guwahati.