Medical Leadership Celebrates Tech Advancement as Innovative Radiotherapy Devices Are Unveiled
New DEXA Scanners Set to Improve Cancer Treatment in England
The British government has rolled out 13 new DEXA scanners across the country as part of its ongoing investment in medical technology. These new scanners are set to deliver bone scans to patients nationwide, increasing the availability of diagnostic services.
The new DEXA scanners are expected to contribute to the government's Plan for Change by providing additional bone scans. However, it's important to note that the Plan for Change does not explicitly relate to these investments in radiotherapy machines for cancer treatment.
Chris Whitehouse, a political consultant and expert on medical technology policy and regulation at Whitehouse Communications, has highlighted the investment in new radiotherapy machines to slash cancer waiting times. Whitehouse, who is also the chair of the Urology Trade Association and a governor of the Anscombe Bioethics Centre, advises MedTech suppliers and has been vocal about the need for such investments.
The new machines are being prioritized in hospitals using outdated treatment machines older than 10 years. On the other hand, the new DEXA scanners, unlike the linear accelerator (LINAC) machines, are not prioritized in these hospitals. The LINAC machines, which are used for radiotherapy, are newer and safer for patients, more precisely targeting tumours, causing less damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
The new machines will reduce delays to treatment and halve the number of hospital visits some cancer patients need to make. Moreover, the new technology will increase the availability of Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy (SABR) cancer treatments, a form of radiotherapy that delivers a high dose of radiation to a tumour with extreme precision.
However, it seems that the new DEXA scanners do not increase the availability of SABR cancer treatments. Despite this, the new machines are expected to save as many as 13,000 appointments from being lost to equipment breakdown, contributing to a more efficient healthcare system.
The government has also invested 70 million GBP in new LINAC machines at 28 hospitals, prioritizing these machines in hospitals with older equipment. This investment is a significant step towards improving cancer treatment in England, reducing waiting times, and providing safer, more precise treatments for patients.
[1] Government's Plan for Change [2] Cancer waiting times in England [3] Relocating civil service roles [4] 10-Year Health Plan for England
[1] The newly invested DEXA scanners are part of the government's Plan for Change, focusing on the enhancement of digital health and health-and-wellness.
[2] While the new DEXA scanners are predicted to reduce delays to cancer treatment and save appointments, they may not directly contribute to reducing cancer waiting times.
[3] Meanwhile, the investment in LINAC machines for cancer treatment, aiming to slash waiting times, seems to be a priority in the ongoing discussions about relocating civil service roles.
[4] Equally important, the government's 70 million GBP investment in new LINAC machines for 28 hospitals reflects its commitment to the 10-Year Health Plan for England, emphasizing advancements in science, medical-conditions, and technology.
