Hyogo Medical University Hospital to Launch Japan's First Elekta Evo Linear Accelerator System Treatments

Elekta K.K. announced on August 27 that its high-precision radiation therapy device, the "Elekta Evo linear accelerator system," will be installed for the first time in Japan at Hyogo Medical University Hospital, with the first treatment scheduled to commence on September 24, 2026. This marks the entry of this next-generation radiation therapy system into clinical application in Japan.

As the number of cancer patients increases, the demand for personalized and precise treatment in the field of radiation therapy continues to rise. The Elekta Evo is positioned as a next-generation radiation therapy system capable of covering both routine and more complex cancer treatment scenarios. The system is equipped with Iris, an AI-driven high-definition imaging technology, which enables clearer visualization of the positional relationships between organs in the patient's body, helping clinical teams make treatment decisions based on changes in the patient's condition, thereby enhancing the precision and safety of radiation therapy.

In terms of treatment modalities, the Elekta Evo supports intensity-modulated radiation therapy, volumetric modulated arc therapy, stereotactic radiation therapy, electron beam therapy, and non-coplanar irradiation, among other modes, to accommodate diverse clinical needs. The system also reduces the burden on patients and healthcare staff during treatment by shortening treatment times and streamlining workflows.

According to reports, more than 90 Elekta Evo systems are currently in use across Europe, North America, and Asia, with accumulated experience in cancer treatment applications. Hyogo Medical University Hospital is a collaborative cancer treatment base hospital, performing approximately 900 radiation therapy cases annually. The system will be deployed in the hospital's newly completed building, which houses 801 beds.

Masayuki Fujiwara, Clinical Professor in the Department of Radiology at Hyogo Medical University Hospital, stated that with the aging population and the increasing number of cancer patients, societal expectations for minimally invasive radiation therapy are also rising. When commissioning the new building, the hospital sought to introduce equipment that combines conventional radiation therapy capabilities while further improving treatment precision and efficiency. The hospital will leverage its existing experience with Elekta linear accelerators in high-precision radiation therapy and utilize the new features of the Elekta Evo to serve cancer patients.

Elekta stated that the launch of the Elekta Evo in Japan and the commencement of its first treatment represent an important step in advancing personalized medicine at Japanese medical institutions. The company said it will continue to collaborate with medical professionals to reduce the treatment burden on patients, improve quality of life, and advance improvements in cancer treatment.