SCHWARZENBRUCK/NUREMBERG, GERMANY, 23 July 2012 – IBA (Ion Beam Applications S.A.) is pleased to announce the official opening of its International Competence Center (ICC) on Friday 20th July in Nuremberg, Germany. The ICC will provide high-level practical training to promote safer radiation therapy to healthcare professionals, using the latest software and hardware radiation treatment and specialist measurement tools.
Exceptional accuracy and reliability is necessary to deliver safe and effective radiation treatment. Recent developments to radiation delivery platforms and other new technologies have allowed greater control of radiation dose distribution and the delivery of a higher, more targeted, radiation dose to tumors. However, as technology becomes more complex, the risk of errors and the adverse effects of radiation also increase. Dosimetry training at the ICC will provide healthcare professionals with essential knowledge and skills necessary to minimize radiation errors and maximize accuracy and efficiency in their daily checks, contributing to significantly reducing treatment downtime.
Mr. Rob Plompen, President of IBA Dosimetry, commented: “The idea behind the establishment of the ICC is to improve cancer treatment outcomes by providing high-quality dosimetry training to healthcare professionals involved in the planning and delivery of radiation therapy. With the ICC we have created an environment that promotes an international exchange of knowledge and experiences among those involved in measuring radiation dosage. Our comprehensive training courses will include topics such as efficient and effective LINAC and RTPS commissioning, verifying complex IMRT and rotational treatments in 2D and 3D, and regulatory and quality assurance matters in radiation therapy.”
Dr. Lutz Müller, Director of ICC, noted: “The ICC is uniquely equipped with cutting-edge, high performance radiation therapy and dosimetry equipment. As the first training center in the world where trainees can simulate treatment verification and quality assurance systems without disrupting patient flow in an environment that mirrors a real clinical environment, this is an exciting development and positive step forward for the radiotherapy community as a whole.”
To mark the ICC opening, there has been a one-day accredited scientific conference held at the ICC for medical physicists, medical dosimetrists, and healthcare professionals involved in diagnostic radiology and radiotherapy.
About IBA
IBA (Ion Beam Applications S.A.), is a cancer diagnostics and treatment company and the worldwide technology leader in the field of proton therapy. The Company’s expertise lies in the development of next generation proton therapy technologies and radiopharmaceuticals that provide oncology care providers with premium quality services and equipment, including IBA’s leading fully integrated IntegraLab® radiopharmacy system, and Dosimetry advanced solutions for Quality Assurance of medical equipment and increased patient safety. Headquartered in Belgium and employing more than 1,200 people worldwide, IBA currently has installed systems across Europe and the US and is expanding into emerging markets. The Company is focused on building sustainable global growth for investors, providing solutions in the fight against cancer.
IBA is listed on the pan-European stock exchange EURONEXT. Further information can be found at: www.iba-worldwide.com