Leo Cancer Care Unveils Innovative Upright Photon Therapy System

Leo Cancer Care has introduced its first upright photon therapy system, named Grace, at the ASTRO 2025 meeting in San Francisco. This groundbreaking technology represents a significant shift in cancer treatment, allowing patients to receive radiation therapy while standing upright, a departure from traditional methods that typically require patients to lie flat. The unveiling of Grace has generated considerable interest among healthcare professionals and stakeholders in the oncology community.

The upright positioning during treatment offers numerous potential benefits. Studies suggest that this natural posture may enhance anatomical stability and improve comfort for patients. Early users of the technology have reported a more positive treatment experience, fostering a stronger connection between patients and therapists. Additionally, the fixed treatment beam design simplifies system architecture, reduces space requirements, and can lead to lower infrastructure costs.

The development of Grace builds on Leo Cancer Care’s prior focus on proton therapy, notably through a collaboration with Mevion Medical Systems that produced the MEVION S250-FIT, an ultracompact upright proton therapy system. With Grace, the company aims to expand access to conventional X-ray radiation therapy, utilizing a stationary 6 MV photon linac paired with a sophisticated patient positioning system that allows for six degrees of freedom and continuous 360-degree rotation.

Innovative Features and Patient-Centric Approach

According to Sophie Towe, the company’s director of marketing, Grace rethinks the delivery of photon therapy, emphasizing that it is not merely about comfort. She stated, “Upright treatment isn’t just about comfort; it’s about consistency, stability and ultimately accessibility. By integrating advanced CT imaging, faster beam delivery and a more natural patient position, we are opening the door to more adaptive and affordable care.”

The system features a fan-beam CT scanner located at the treatment isocentre, enabling high-quality imaging throughout the treatment process. A large, ultrafast multileaf collimator enhances dose conformity and maximizes treatment efficiency, reflecting Leo Cancer Care’s commitment to innovation without compromising on quality.

Aiming for Global Impact

Stephen Towe, co-founder and CEO, expressed confidence in the potential of Grace to reshape cancer treatment. He noted, “Grace represents a return to our original company focus of delivering more cost-effective photon treatments to a global stage without sacrificing on treatment quality.” The company aims to be at the forefront of a paradigm shift in radiotherapy, emphasizing a patient-centered approach.

The first pre-commercial systems of Grace will be deployed at healthcare institutions involved in the Upright Photon Alliance, which includes notable organizations such as Centre Léon Bérard, Cone Health, IHH Healthcare, Mayo Clinic, and OncoRay. These installations will facilitate further research and development while providing insights into the practical applications of upright photon therapy.

Leo Cancer Care’s innovative approach signifies a promising advancement in cancer treatment technology, with the potential to improve patient experiences and outcomes while making advanced therapies more accessible worldwide. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the impact of such innovations could redefine standards of care in oncology.