The RHÖN-KLINIKUM AG and Siemens Medical Solutions signed a contract just over a year ago for the construction and operation of a particle therapy facility. With the permit approval process and application hearing now underway, the high-tech project is beginning to take shape. Construction is expected to begin in the summer of 2007. RHÖN-KLINIKUM AG (RKA) is investing more than 100 million euros in the facility, which is being built in Marburg, Germany, and will be operated in close cooperation with the Giessen/Marburg University Hospital.
Particle therapy is an extremely precise and biologically effective procedure for fighting cancer. Certain tumors that were previously difficult or impossible to treat due to their location or proximity to vital organs can now be treated using this technology - a milestone in cancer treatment.
The contract covers the construction and technical operation of the particle therapy facility, including maintenance. This project represents the third facility worldwide that specializes in the treatment of tumors using protons and heavy ions. Giessen/Marburg University Hospital will conduct studies to scientifically monitor particle therapy at this facility. The four treatment rooms are expected to handle more than 2,000 patients annually. "We expect the facility to open in 2010, resulting in a major step in treating cancer," said Wolfgang Pfoehler, CEO of RKA.
This type of facility from Siemens Medical Solutions enables hospitals and clinics to enter the world of proton and carbon-based particle therapy. In addition, the solution is designed for use with other types of ions as part of future research projects, making it a sound financial investment. "Siemens has been successfully involved in the field of radio-oncology for more than 100 years and has advanced this field through its many technical innovations," explained Dr. Johannes Nardi, particle therapy project manager for Siemens Medical Solutions. "As partner with RKA, we are pleased to achieve a further milestone in cancer treatment through the particle therapy facility in Marburg. The innovative solutions from Siemens in the areas of particle beam generation, imaging, patient positioning, treatment planning and information technology will be put to optimal use in the facility."
Background information on particle therapy
Particle therapy facilitates extremely precise and effective cancer treatments. In clinical application, protons or carbon ions are brought up to very high speeds using an accelerator and then applied to tumors, thus destroying the tumor cells. Thanks to the range of coverage that can be accurately calculated and a control system with millimeter accuracy, the target areas can be irradiated without impacting the surrounding tissue. An inpatient hospital stay for this treatment is required only in exceptional cases because virtually no side effects have been noted to date. Particle therapy can treat some tumors that could not previously be treated or were difficult to treat. As a result, the chances of curing some cancers for example, malignant tumors originating in the cartilage at the base of the skull have increased to more than 90 percent. This has been documented in clinical studies by the GSI (Society for Heavy Ion Research) and the University of Heidelberg.
RHÖN-KLINIKUM AG (RKA) is a leading private hospital service provider and is committed to the highest standards of patient-oriented care combining the very best quality of service with good value. The company's object is to build and operate hospitals, especially in the area of acute hospitals at all care levels. When it went public in 1989 it became the first listed hospital group in Germany. Rhön-Klinikum AG shares the values and goals of the German health system. RKA aims to uphold the efficiency and social acceptability of this system on the principle of "rationalisation before rationing". Currently the listed hospital group headquartered in the Rhön counts 45 hospitals (43 acute/2 rehab) at 34 sites with a total of 14,620 beds/places. It employs 30,967 persons. More information can be found under www.rhoen-klinikum-ag.com
Siemens Medical Solutions of Siemens AG (NYSE: SI) is one of the world's largest suppliers to the healthcare industry. The company is known for bringing together innovative medical technologies, healthcare information systems, management consulting, and support services, to help customers achieve tangible, sustainable, clinical and financial outcomes. Recent acquisitions in the area of in-vitro diagnostics - such as Diagnostic Products Corporation and Bayer Diagnostics - mark a significant milestone for Siemens as it becomes the first full service diagnostics company. Employing more than 41,000 people worldwide and operating in over 130 countries, Siemens Medical Solutions reported sales of 8.23 billion EUR, orders of 9.33 billion EUR and group profit of 1.06 billion EUR for fiscal 2006 (Sept. 30). Further information can be found by visiting www.siemens.com/medical