SOUTH AFRICA—Icon Oncology, South Africa’s leading oncology service provider, has unveiled the installation of the cutting-edge Varian VitalBeam linear accelerator at the Arcadia Oncology Centre in Pretoria.
This advanced technology aims to improve cancer patients’ access to precise and efficient radiation therapy in Pretoria and surrounding regions.
The new system is designed to deliver faster, more accurate treatments while minimizing damage to healthy tissue.
The Arcadia Oncology Centre is home to De Mûelenaere Oncology (DMO), a well-respected group of radiation oncologists with a long history in cancer care, dating back to the mid-1970s.
As a founding member of the Icon Oncology network, DMO has built a reputation for patient-centred care in a compassionate environment, guiding patients through their treatment journeys with expertise and support.
Drs. Georges and Ingo de Mûelenaere, a father-son duo with a decades-long legacy in oncology, attended the launch.
Dr. Georges de Mûelenaere’s pioneering work in 1976—when he personally transported a cobalt radiation unit across the Limpopo River—helped establish South Africa’s second radiotherapy unit and the first in Gauteng.
Now, Dr. Georges’ son, Dr. Ingo de Mûelenaere, continues his legacy as a leading radiation oncologist at DMO, upholding a tradition of excellence in oncology care.
The installation of the Varian VitalBeam is a significant step in Icon Oncology’s mission to enhance cancer care accessibility across South Africa.
This cutting-edge technology is equipped with advanced features that allow oncologists to deliver treatments with unmatched precision, particularly beneficial for tumours located near sensitive tissues, such as in the head, neck, or lung areas.
The system also reduces treatment times, offering patients a more comfortable and streamlined experience.
Speaking during the launch, Dr. Ernst Marais, COO of Icon Oncology, emphasized the company’s commitment to providing high-quality cancer care for all South Africans.
He explained that investing in innovative technologies like the Varian VitalBeam allows Icon Oncology to reach more patients and improve treatment outcomes nationwide.
Radiation oncologist Dr. Cattleya Gaspar highlighted the transformative impact of the new system, noting that the VitalBeam’s enhanced imaging capabilities allow for highly targeted radiation treatments, ensuring greater control throughout the process and better protection for healthy tissue.
Dr. Marlene Soares, also a radiation oncologist at the centre, discussed the improvements to the patient experience, saying the VitalBeam’s design reduces treatment time, minimizes noise, and creates a more relaxing environment for patients.
This latest addition to the Arcadia Oncology Centre is another milestone in Icon Oncology’s nationwide expansion of advanced cancer treatment technology.
Through this investment, Icon continues to raise the standard of care in South Africa, bringing life-saving treatments closer to communities and improving the quality of life for patients battling cancer.
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