At the end of October, Varian completed work on the first treatment room to be used clinically. They were able to demonstrate the performance of all aspects of the system successfully. This is a huge step forward towards MPTC’s ability to begin patient treatments. The room is now to be used by the clinical physics team to review and prepare the system for patient treatment. The clinical team will also train with the system to ensure that when treatments start, all processes run as smoothly as possible. Varian now will transition to work on the next treatment room to be handed over, and will continue to work sequentially until all treatment rooms have been fully calibrated and handed over to the MPTC clinical team for verification and commissioning.
November saw intense work on system commissioning, the process where the clinical tea, prepares the system for patient treatment. This process will continue into the new year. During this time the clinical team takes measurements of the proton beam that are critical to properly planning out patient treatments. They also will establish all the quality assurance programs and processes that will be used to ensure patient safety and treatment accuracy throughout the operational life of the facility. Finally, the team will do a good deal of testing and simulation to help ensure smooth, efficient operations prior to patient treatment.
Inside the treatment rooms, he vast majority of fits and finishes have been completed, and the rooms look similar to how they will when used by patients and staff. The facility’s diagnostic imaging devices, a CT and a MRI, have been installed and are being prepared for clinical use. The rest of the facility is largely complete, with final furnishings being put in place, staff amenities being installed, and clinical spaces being outfitted. The diagnostic imaging equipment to be located within the building is being put in place, and will be complete within the next month. Artwork and decorations are now being put in place and the finishing touches being done. It is truly an exciting time as we prepare to receive patients for care.
MPTC continues to be cutting edge, offering the most advanced tools, both in the treatment room with Pencil Beam Scanning and IMPT, and out of the room with next-Gen imaging equipment to help more accurately plan patient care. We are proud of the progress MPTC has made and eagerly await patient treatments.