Radiation oncology sites adopting new techniques

Mar 9, 2004

U.S. radiation oncology sites are rapidly adopting new therapeutic techniques and the related equipment and consumables that facilitate them, according to a recent study published by market research firm IMV Medical Information Division.

The Des Plaines, IL-based company’s fifth census of all U.S. radiation oncology facilities showed that 38% of all sites perform intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), compared with 4% in 1998. In addition to adopting advanced clinical techniques, sites are increasing usage of electronic networks to send and receive digital images used in treatment planning, IMV said.

In 1998, 24% of sites employed electronic records, compared with 62% in the most recent census. As a result of this continued innovation, capital budgets for radiation therapy equipment are increasing, with the average 2004 capital equipment budget estimated at $980,000, up 34% from 2003 budgets, IMV said.

In addition, sites having budgets of $1.5 million or more increased from 9% of sites in 1996 to 18% of sites with 2004 budgets, IMV said. IMV’s 2003 database profiles 1642 sites, 80% of the 2009 identified facilities performing external beam radiation therapy treatments in the U.S.

By AuntMinnie.com staff writers
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