#USA #Middleton #Grace Hopper #Leo Cancer Care #Upright Therapy

Introduction

In a significant move slated to reshape cancer treatment protocols, Leo Cancer Care recently introduced Grace™—the first upright photon therapy system—at the ASTRO 2025 conference in Middleton, Wisconsin. Named after the pioneering American computer scientist and Navy Rear Admiral Grace Hopper, Grace™ embarks on a mission to challenge traditional radiation therapy methods and optimize patient experiences.

The Need for Change

Conventional radiation therapy typically requires patients to lie flat on a treatment table, a position that can be uncomfortable and may not provide optimal anatomical stability. Growing research suggests that an upright position could offer advantages in stability, comfort, and connection between the patient and the treatment process. Grace™ aims to address these concerns by allowing patients to receive treatment in a more natural and comfortable posture.

Innovative Features

The Grace™ system will utilize traditional x-ray radiation therapy while positioning patients upright. This approach is anticipated to help achieve more consistent anatomical positioning as well as organ stability compared to conventional supine treatments. Reports from early adopters of the technology indicate that the upright setup not only enhances comfort but also fosters a stronger rapport between patients and healthcare providers.

Stephen Towe, CEO and Co-Founder of Leo Cancer Care, expressed the company's commitment to innovation, stating, “Leo Cancer Care is already known for delivering upright particle therapy technology, and over the past few years, we have seen a real paradigm shift as a result. Grace represents a return to our original company focus of delivering more cost-effective photon treatments to a global stage without sacrificing treatment quality.”

Technical Aspects

One standout feature of Grace™ is its integration of a fan beam CT scanner at the treatment isocenter. This technology enables planning-quality imaging throughout the treatment workflow, setting the stage for online adaptive radiotherapy in the future. Grace™ also includes a large, ultra-fast multi-leaf collimator (MLC) designed to outpace existing offerings on the market. Furthermore, the system is engineered for compatibility with RaySearch Laboratories' RayStation®, the first treatment planning system to support upright radiation therapy, as well as RayCare®, the next-gen oncology information system.

Global Research Initiative

As part of the Upright Photon Alliance, a collaborative global research effort initiated in October 2024, the first five pre-commercial Grace systems are set to be installed in leading healthcare institutions, including Mayo Clinic and OncoRay. This initiative aims to investigate how Grace™ can improve patient outcomes and challenge conventional radiotherapy practices. Alliance members are committed to exploring the potential of upright therapy to revolutionize patient care in oncology.

Conclusion

With advancements such as Grace™, Leo Cancer Care continues to lead in innovating cancer treatment technologies. By focusing on making advanced treatments more accessible and human-centric, the company aims to transform the existing paradigms of radiation therapy. However, it is important to note that the Grace solution is currently under development and has not yet received clearance for sale, being presented solely for research and discussion.
Leo Cancer Care's Grace™ stands as a testament to future possibilities in oncology, where patient experience and comfort are at the forefront of treatment design.