India gets first-of-its-kind tech that tracks cancer tumours in real-time

cancer tumours in real-time: India received its first Elekta Unity MR Linac, an advanced cancer treatment system that combines real-time Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) with precise radiation therapy.

The machine, currently being installed at Yashoda Medicity in Ghaziabad, is also the country’s first to include Comprehensive Motion Management (CMM), a feature that improves accuracy by tracking even theslightest body movement during treatment.

In simple terms, this system combines two important features: an MRI scanner (hich shows clear pictures of the inside of the body) and a radiation machine (which targets and kills cancer cells).

The machine tracks tiny movements in the body while treating cancer. That means if a patient moves or breathes, the machine adjusts in real time so the radiation still hits exactly the right spot.

cancer tumours in real-time: This allows doctors to adapt radiation doses on a daily basis, based on changes in a patient’s anatomy. The result is better targeting of cancer cells while protecting nearby organs.

Because it uses MRI instead of regular CT scans, it gives much clearer images, especially of soft tissues like organs.Doctors can change the treatment plan every day based on how the patient’s body is responding.The Elekta Unity system tracks tiny movements in the body while treating cancer. (Photo: Yashoda Medicity)

This makes the treatment more accurate, safer, and faster, especially helpful for people with small tumours or those who need radiation more than once.

The Elekta Unity system uses a high-resolution 1.5 Tesla MRI scanner to provide clear,real-time images of tumoursand surrounding healthy tissues.

It is especially useful for treating small tumours, lymph nodes, and cases where patients need to undergo radiation more than once.

The machine also supports hypo-fractionated treatment, delivering higher doses in fewer sessions, making the process quicker and more comfortable for patients.

cancer tumours in real-time: “This is a transformative step in cancer care. We can now personalise each radiation session in real time, improving outcomes and reducing side effects,” said Dr Upasana Arora, Managing Director of Yashoda Medicity.

The new system also enables remote treatment planning. Doctors can review and approve patient plans from anywhere, improving speed and flexibility.

It alsosets the stage for future approacheslike Biology-Guided Radiotherapy (BgRT), which aims to personalise treatment based on biological signals such as gene expression.

Dr Gagan Saini, Vice Chairman and Head of Radiation & Oncology at Yashoda Medicity, said the technology is a timely addition, given that over 1.4 million new cancer cases are reported in India every year.

“This MR Linac ensures faster, safer, and more precise treatment, especially for patients requiring repeat therapy,” he said.Once operational, the Elekta Unity MR Linac is expected to set a new benchmark for cancer care in India.