Accuray Incorporated, a global leader in the field of radiosurgery, announced that Mount Vernon Cancer Centre in the United Kingdom has become the first National Health Service (NHS) hospital to acquire a CyberKnife Robotic Radiosurgery System.

The NHS has grown to become the world's largest publicly funded health service. The system was born just over 60 years ago out of a long-held ideal that quality healthcare should be available to all, regardless of wealth – and that principle remains at its core. The NHS remains free at the point of use for anyone who is a resident in the United Kingdom – more than 60 million people – with only a few minor exceptions, and is funded centrally from national taxation.

"Patients have been very eager to see CyberKnife radiosurgery available through the National Health Service, so we are excited to soon be able to offer them this state-of-the-art form of cancer care," said Dr Peter Ostler, Consultant Clinical Oncologist and the Trust's Clinical Chair for Cancer Services. "The CyberKnife System will enable us to expand our radiation offerings to patients who may not have been able to tolerate other treatments or have medically or surgically inoperable tumours."

The CyberKnife System uses real-time tracking capabilities to deliver high-dose radiation to tumours with pin-point accuracy, including tumours that move with respiration. As a non-invasive treatment for cancerous and non-cancerous tumours, the CyberKnife System does not require the use of stabilizing frames or uncomfortable breath holding techniques, making it an easy and comfortable experience for the patient. Treatments are typically completed in one to five days and patients can resume their normal activities immediately following treatment.

"Mount Vernon Cancer Centre has a strong reputation for cancer treatment, particularly using radiation, so it is great to see their treatment arsenal strengthened with the purchase of a CyberKnife System," said Euan S Thomson, president and CEO of Accuray Incorporated. "We are proud to be working with the East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust and are very pleased with their recognition of the CyberKnife System's unique contributions in the treatment of cancer."

East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust manages four hospitals, including The Mount Vernon Cancer Centre. As one of the UK's top five cancer treatment centers, The Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, which is located in North-west London, provides specialist tertiary radiotherapy services, as well as a local chemotherapy service.

The Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, managed by the East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, has been based in Northwood, North-west London for many years and is a leading cancer centre, treating around 5,000 new patients per annum.

The CyberKnife Robotic Radiosurgery System is the world's only robotic radiosurgery system designed to treat tumours anywhere in the body non-invasively.

Accuray Incorporated, based in Sunnyvale, California, is a global leader in the field of radiosurgery dedicated to providing an improved quality of life and a non-surgical treatment option for those diagnosed with cancer.