BENGALURU — HealthCare Global Enterprises (HCG) has begun treating cancer patients using Karnataka's first Elekta Unity MR-Linac at its facility in Bengaluru. The clinical launch introduces MR-guided adaptive radiation therapy to patients across Karnataka and neighbouring regions.
The Elekta Unity system combines a high-field 1.5 Tesla MRI scanner with a linear accelerator. This configuration allows clinical teams to visualise tumors and surrounding anatomy in real time during treatment sessions. Clinicians can then adapt treatment plans online to account for anatomical changes between sessions, facilitating precise radiation delivery while protecting healthy tissue.
The deployment addresses a growing demand for advanced cancer care infrastructure in India. According to Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) estimates cited by the company, new cancer cases in India are projected to reach 2.08 million by 2040, marking a 57.5 percent increase over 2020 levels.
Dr. B.S. Ajaikumar, Founder and Chairman of HealthCare Global Enterprises Limited, stated that the new equipment brings precision closer to near-perfection, allowing radiation to focus directly on the tumor with minimal exposure to healthy tissue for qualifying patients.
Dr. Manish Mattoo, Executive Director and CEO of HCG, noted that real-time imaging and adaptive treatment support a multidisciplinary approach designed to improve patient outcomes and expand access to advanced care.
Dr. John P. Christodouleas, Head of Medical Affairs and Partner Research at Elekta, acknowledged the partnership, noting that the technology redefines radiation therapy capabilities by enabling real-time adjustments based on daily patient anatomy.
HCG reported an early successful case involving a 74-year-old man with high-risk, localized prostate cancer treated with hypofractionated radiotherapy. The patient completed a five-week course without interruption, aided by real-time visualisation that helped minimise radiation exposure to surrounding organs.
Dr. Surendra Reddy T, Consultant Radiation Oncologist at HCG Hospitals Hebbal, highlighted that the system allows clinicians to view tumors and surrounding anatomy clearly at each session, supporting personalized treatment approaches.
Headquartered in Bengaluru, HCG operates a network of 25 comprehensive cancer hospitals across India and Africa. Elekta, headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, provides precision radiation medicine solutions globally, supporting more than two million patient treatments annually across 130 countries.
"The adoption of advanced medical technology like the Elekta Unity MR-Linac by healthcare networks such as HCG highlights the critical shift toward precision medicine in India's healthcare sector. As the burden of non-communicable diseases grows, investments in specialized oncology infrastructure not only improve clinical outcomes but also set new benchmarks for medical service delivery in the region." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes
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