New state-of-the-art machine means more patients can access cancer treatment
Bloemfontein, 30 November 2021: There is good news for cancer patients in the Free State who need access to advanced treatment technology. The installation of a brand-new linear accelerator (linac) at the Icon Oncology radiation therapy unit in Bloemfontein, means that more patients can now receive life-saving treatment.
The official commissioning of the machine was recently celebrated and attended by a group of top Bloemfontein oncologists. The new machine will enable these experts to treat more patients using leading-edge technology at the Nelson Mandela Drive Oncology unit.
The burden of cancer in South Africa is on the rise. Experts predict that by 2030, the number of new cancer cases in sub-Saharan Africa will be 85% higher compared to 2008. This places an enormous burden on our healthcare system and Icon Oncology is tackling this head-on.
Icon Oncology is the leading provider of radiation and managed care oncology services in the country, providing equipment and expertise in areas where it’s most needed. The installation of the multi-million-rand Varian Halcyon™ Linac means that more patients can now access cancer treatment in the province.
“We are committed to widening access to quality cancer care through our ongoing investment in technology. Replacing older machines with the latest technology means we can care for more patients without compromising on the quality of care they receive”, says Anthony Pedersen, CEO of Icon Oncology.
The machine was officially commissioned by a team of Bloemfontein oncologists. Left to right, Dr. Brent-Nolan Green, Dr. Corlia Loots, Dr. Sandra Bonnet, and Dr. Thomas Erasmus.
According to Dr. Sandra Bonnet, a radiation oncologist and member of the Icon Network, one of the biggest benefits of the Halcyon™ Linac over the equipment it replaces, is that treatment times on the machine are shorter. This allows for a higher volume of patients that can be accommodated.
“Breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men are the most common cancers in South Africa and radiotherapy plays a pivotal role in the treatment of these diseases. Currently, the waiting time to start treatment from the application is two weeks. With up-to-date technology, high quality, and faster treatments with the Varian Halcyon we can even improve on that. We are thus privileged and thankful to be of even better service in the community,” says Dr. Bonnet.
The radiation therapy team celebrated the arrival of the new Varian Halcyon Linac. Back Left, Jessica Muller, Jennifer Fuller (Regional Business Manager), and Sulani Leek. Front left, Evedne Blaauw (Lead Radiotherapist) Michaella Morphis (Medical Physicist), and Annemarie Combrinck.
The Halcyon™ radiotherapy system is engineered to deliver, volumetric modulated radiation therapy (VMAT) technology, intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT), and RapidArc™ radiotherapy.
“The biggest benefit of the machine is that it delivers a precise, tightly focused radiation dose to the shape of the tumor, while minimizing the impact on surrounding healthy tissue. The treatment time is fast and the machine has brushless motors for silent movements, which will contribute to a positive patient experience. This new machine is a great asset to our city and will assist us as oncologists to provide quality care to our cancer patients in a beautiful setting,” explains Dr. Corlia Loots a radiation oncologist who attended the official commissioning.
The Linac arrived in September this year and was installed by a team of experts. The Halcyon™ linac was installed at the Icon Oncology unit, which is in the heart of Bloemfontein. The first patient received treatment on Wednesday, 17 November and the oncology unit can now treat between 40 and 50 patients per day.
“We are excited to extend this capacity to also improve public access to this kind of cancer treatment. Icon Oncology and our network of 150-strong oncologists have pioneered how patients should receive cancer care in South Africa. Decades of clinical and managed healthcare experience means that we can offer cost-effective, quality treatment to both insured and uninsured patients. This makes us the ideal partner for public-private partnerships and is a testament to our purpose to give cancer patients the best opportunity to lead healthier lives,” says Pedersen.
About Icon Oncology
Icon Oncology Holdings represents subsidiaries, Icon Radiotherapy, Icon Chemotherapy, Icon Network, and Icon Managed Care. Across its business, Icon is the South African pioneer of Value-Based Care (VBC) in cancer treatment. Icon represents 80% of oncologists in private practice who collaboratively develop provider-driven protocols that have been proven to significantly improve efficacy and efficiencies in cancer care.
For further information please contact:
Icon Oncology, Marise Lerm, Telephone: 082 826 0457, mlerm@iconsa.co.za
My cousin was diagnosed with lymphoma cancer and she hasn’t started with her treatment yet. I want to get more information on this illness so that I can assist and support her.
Hi Sepeko,
You are welcome to visit the Mayo Clinic website. We find them a reputable resource. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lymphoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20352638
Kind regards,
Good day
I am based in Pretoria was diagnosed the triple negative cancer. I need to speedily have radiology done.
Hi Inge, your oncologist will refer you to a radiotherapy unit close to you. Good luck with your journey.
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Good day, I am a Psychologist and have a patient with whom I have been working for a year and her mother (in her 70s) has just been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and has lost her son in a murder and her brother in an accident and now her mother. It is obvious that the financial burden on the family is immense. With this in mind, Her mother needs cancer patches (Durogesic or Fendermal) and her medical does not cover them. She asked me if I knew where or how she could perhaps find these at a lower cost, such as through Transpharm. I thought of asking on here as I also work on clinical trials and thought you might be able to advise better on where one could possibly buy it at cost price somewhere, since medical aid will not pay for it? Or perhaps know of a clinical trial she could take part in? Thank you very much! Sashya Strauss
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