Mevion, Nelco Partner to Accelerate Proton Therapy Adoption

Mevion Medical Systems, Inc. and NELCO Worldwide announced a strategic partnership aiming at accelerating the adoption of proton therapy by facilitating the conversion of existing linear accelerator (Linac) vaults for the MEVION S250-FIT Proton Therapy System, which is not yet available for clinical use.

The MEVION S250-FIT Proton Therapy System with HYPERSCAN Pencil Beam Scanning technology is a full proton therapy system that can be installed within an existing Linac vault. A key feature of the FIT system is its self-shielded cyclotron and high efficiency beamline, which significantly reduce the complexity of shielding modifications.

Proton therapy is an advanced form of radiation therapy that offers superior precision and fewer side effects compared to traditional X-ray radiation, making it particularly beneficial for treating tumors located near critical organs or in pediatric patients. However, the high cost and complexity of building new proton therapy centers have been major barriers to its wider adoption.

This partnership combines Mevion’s compact proton therapy system with NELCO's expertise in radiation shielding, enabling a simple and streamlined approach to converting existing Linac vaults for proton therapy. By incorporating optimized shielding designs and specialized shielding doors (sliding, swinging, or bi-parting) into the vault conversion process, healthcare providers can benefit from cost savings and reduced implementation time.

“We are delighted to collaborate with NELCO Worldwide to bring the benefits of proton therapy to a wider patient population,” said Tina Yu, Chief Executive Officer and President of Mevion Medical Systems. “This partnership will empower healthcare providers to offer this more precise and targeted form of radiation therapy, leading to a better quality of life for those battling cancer.”

Rick LeBlanc, Chief Executive Officer and President of NELCO Worldwide, added, “NELCO is committed to advancing radiation protection and enabling innovative cancer treatment solutions. We are excited to work with Mevion to facilitate the conversion of Linac vaults, making proton therapy a viable option for more hospitals and clinics.”

This partnership represents a significant step forward in expanding access to proton therapy. By streamlining the conversion process and optimizing the deployment schedule, Mevion and NELCO are making it easier for healthcare providers to offer this advanced treatment option to their patients.