The Rey Juan Carlos University Hospital has incorporated the computed tomography (CT) system "Philips Areta RT" into its Radiation Oncology Service, a technology aimed at perfecting the localization and delimitation of tumors and supporting the design of radiotherapy treatments adapted to each patient.
"The incorporation of the 'Philips Areta RT' represents a technological leap for our service. It allows us to advance in more personalized planning and simulation of radiotherapy treatments, with the aim of continuing to improve the quality of care and the experience of our patients," highlighted the head of the Radiation Oncology Service, Pilar Samper, during the presentation and official inauguration of the new equipment.
Philips has indicated that the Móstoles center becomes the first public hospital in the world to have this CT scanner, conceived specifically for radiotherapy planning and simulation workflows.
"'Areta RT' incorporates an imaging architecture designed for radiotherapy, with an advanced detector and artificial intelligence-based reconstruction that contribute to greater consistency and image quality in simulation," stated the head of Diagnostic Imaging business for Philips Ibérica, Jimena Lapuerta.
Thanks to the acquisition of high-quality and consistent images, the system facilitates a more precise delimitation of the tumor volume, which helps to better protect healthy tissue and optimize the therapeutic plan, in addition to promoting more agile daily processes in the service.
The equipment is also designed to reduce the need for repetitions and minimize motion artifacts, which can accelerate the care pathway and avoid additional scans. Likewise, it makes it possible to adjust the dose in simulation on an individualized basis, taking into account the characteristics of each patient and the anatomical region involved.
Benefits for professionals
The company explained that its use helps specialists have greater reliability in contouring and planning decisions, while the integration of tools aimed at improving reproducibility and reducing repetitions allows for the optimization of time and workflows. At the same time, the system strengthens the service's capacity to develop clinical and training activities around a state-of-the-art technology.
The radiophysicist and associate head of the Radiation Oncology Service at the hospital, Ramón Polo Cezón, has detailed that "'Areta RT' allows "reducing image noise, improving low-contrast detectability, and individually adjusting the radiation dose in simulation procedures based on patient volume and tumor anatomical location"".
In parallel, he has highlighted its features aimed at "minimizing motion artifacts and reducing the need for repetitions, favoring a smoother patient experience and greater efficiency in the care process".
Spain, a priority market for innovation
For Philips, this advance consolidates Spain's role as a "priority market" for the deployment of innovation with an impact on highly complex healthcare environments. Along these lines, the general director of Philips Ibérica, Miguel de Foronda, has highlighted the "solidity" of the Spanish healthcare ecosystem.
Furthermore, he has reiterated the company's "commitment" to Spain, which he has defined as a "benchmark" for driving clinical innovation with tangible results. "We continue to work alongside professionals to accelerate the adoption of technologies that support more precise decisions and more efficient processes," he stated.
The general director of care for the Ministry of Health of the Community of Madrid, Almudena Quintana, has highlighted the "international reference position" in which the installation of the "Philips Areta RT" CT scanner places the Rey Juan Carlos University Hospital.
In turn, she has emphasized the driving role of Madrid's healthcare system in incorporating this type of advancement, whose "greatest value," in her opinion, is the "direct impact" it has on patients' lives. "Innovation without professionals, without the people who are behind it, caring and adding a personal touch to treatment, would be useless," she added.