Samsung Electronics’ medical device division and Samsung Medison are joining forces with Accuray, a U.S.-based radiation surgery specialist, to advance precision imaging-based radiation therapy.
Samsung HME (Health & Medical Equipment) America and Accuray recently signed a non-binding letter of intent (LOI) to explore the potential development of an innovative radiation therapy solution. This collaboration aims to integrate Samsung’s mobile computed tomography (CT) scanner, BodyTom, with Accuray’s robotic radiosurgery system, CyberKnife.
The partnership will leverage Samsung’s high-resolution three dimensional (3D) imaging technology alongside Accuray’s image-guided robotic radiation therapy and real-time motion management capabilities. This synergy is expected to enhance the precision of treatment area identification and surrounding tissue visualization, ultimately supporting more personalized treatment decisions.
A key focus of this collaboration is to harness volume imaging-based information to boost treatment accuracy. The companies aim to achieve more refined dose delivery and create a customized radiation therapy environment using real-time high-resolution imaging.
Both companies are considering unveiling the technological direction and vision of this partnership at the upcoming American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) annual meeting in September.
This year, Samsung has been actively expanding its partnerships in the treatment sector, broadening its medical device business portfolio beyond diagnostics into the realm of therapeutic solutions.
In a related move this April, Samsung Medison initiated the development of image-guided treatment technology. This project involves integrating Samsung Medison’s premium ultrasound diagnostic device, R20, with the histotripsy treatment system, Edison, in collaboration with HistoSonics, a U.S.-based non-invasive ultrasound cancer treatment company.
Yoo Kyu-tae, head of Samsung Electronics’ medical device division and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Samsung Medison, stated that this collaboration is a crucial part of our strategy to extend next-generation medical imaging technology from precise diagnostics to precise treatment. It’s committed to developing customized image-guided treatment solutions that accurately reflect patients’ anatomical characteristics and treatment progression.
Samsung Medison’s history dates back to 1985 when Medison was founded, making headlines by introducing the world’s first 3D ultrasound diagnostic device.
After facing financial challenges in the early 2000s, including a near-bankruptcy, Medison was acquired by Samsung Electronics in 2010 and rebranded as Samsung Medison.
Initially, Samsung Medison struggled to gain a foothold in the well-established medical device market. However, leveraging the Samsung brand, the company persistently pursued global market opportunities. Today, it has evolved into a supplier of ultrasound diagnostic devices to over 100 countries worldwide. Notably, the company has achieved remarkable growth, with exports accounting for more than 90% of its revenue, solidifying its position as a global leader in medical device manufacturing.