Accuray Incorporated announced that the company has received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its VitalHold? breast package on the Radixact® System. The treatment option will also be available in the EU market.

VitalHold facilitates deep inspiration breath hold (DIBH) treatments using the Radixact System's fixed beam angle delivery mode (TomoDirect?) and a fully integrated and automated surface-guided radiation therapy (SGRT) solution, featuring the Catalyst+ HD system from C-RAD. With the addition of this new functionality, the Radixact System offers a comprehensive tool set for the treatment of breast cancer. The VitalHold technology will be available to customers in the United States and European Union as well as other regions, subject to regulatory clearance or approvals.

DIBH treatments are often used to help minimize radiation dose to organs at risk (OARs) and reduce associated complications later in life. During treatment, a patient takes a deep breath which moves the heart away from the chest wall and the targeted tumor. The SGRT tracking system continuously monitors a patient's breathing and position with cameras to confirm the patient is appropriately positioned to deliver radiation.

SGRT is designed to enable medical care teams to effectively position the patient and confidently monitor the accuracy of that positioning throughout treatment. The CT linac based Radixact System offers multiple radiation delivery options to tailor each patient's treatment based on their specific needs. The system's extensive capabilities make it possible for clinicians to treat breast cases in as little as 2 minutes.

With TomoHelical? mode, the Radixact System continuously delivers radiation beams from 360 degrees around the patient, enabling the treatment of complex cases, such as cancer in the breast and surrounding lymph nodes. This approach also provides a valuable option for patients who are unable to hold their breath, which is key to undergoing DIBH treatments.

TomoDirect mode facilitates delivery of radiation from specific fixed angles. The Radixact® System with its unique radiation delivery approaches offers advantages in the treatment of breast cancer including the ability to deliver precise radiation dose to any tumor bed, during every treatment, while minimizing dose to nearby healthy organs and tissues. With the Radixact System, radiation therapy may be an option for treating breast cancer at almost every stage and can be used after surgery, chemotherapy and other medications.