Icon Oncology upgrades Benoni Oncology Centre

Icon Oncology, the leading cancer care provider in the country, recently celebrated the installation of a cutting-edge linear accelerator (Linac) at its radiation therapy unit in Benoni.

This installation brings hope to those living with cancer in the East Rand catchment area who require lifesaving treatment.

The official opening of the new machine was attended by oncologists, referring specialists and business leaders from Icon Oncology and Elekta.

According to the company, this new technology will help oncologists treat more patients with advanced tools, further enhancing the standard of care offered at the Benoni Oncology Centre.

Icon Oncology COO, Dr Ernst Marais, said their data showed a significant rise in cancer cases in the country year-on-year, adding this challenge weighed heavily on the healthcare system.

“Icon Oncology is proactively addressing this burden. They are dedicated to delivering quality equipment and expertise to areas of the greatest need,” he said.

“The installation of the Elekta Synergy® Linac will allow more patients to access vital cancer treatment,” added Marais.

Elekta’s clinical marketing manager for Asia Pacific, William Starbuck commented that this will bring much-needed treatment alternatives to the East Rand, also ensuring greater treatment capacity.

“The Elekta Synergy® Linac offers departments the ideal combination for success. Utilising Elekta’s best-in-class MLC, Agility, hospitals can treat highly conformal SRS and SBRT cases and complex anatomies.

“I can’t wait to see what this talented group accomplishes with this therapy system in helping deliver high-quality care to patients in Benoni and beyond,” said Starbuck.

Dr Rudi Mare, a radiation oncologist at ABJ Oncology who treats patients at the centre, said one of the significant advantages of the machine is its precision when treating difficult-to-reach tumours.

“The new machine can administer a precise, tightly focused radiation dose tailored to the shape of the tumour while minimising the impact on surrounding healthy tissue.

“Additionally, the machine’s fast treatment time means an improved experience for our patients.”

Elekta’s senior vice president for TIMEA and Asia Pacific, also managing director for India and South Africa, Manikandan Bala, said this is the beginning of a new chapter in advanced precision treatment.

“The technology brings hope to patients and their families. It deepens our ties with the Icon Group, a care provider focused on delivering the best clinical care, and furthers Elekta’s Access 2025 vision – a world where everyone has access to the best cancer care,” said Bala.

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