Researchers at the University of Victoria are developing a low-cost radiotherapy system called KOALA for low- and middle-income countries and remote regions.
KOALA is designed to optimize and deliver radiation treatments in a single session using a dual-robot system.
Initial testing showed promising results with good agreement on dosimetric tests and X-ray spectra.
The system aims to reduce costs by using low-energy kilovoltage X-rays and innovative designs for components like the iris collimator.
KOALA demonstrated excellent geometrical accuracy and is being further refined for clinical commercialization.
The team is working on improving CBCT imaging quality, developing quality assurance protocols, and collaborating with veterinarians to test the system on dogs with cancer.
The goal is to make cancer treatment more accessible, especially in low-resource settings where conventional radiotherapy may be insufficient.
The collaborative effort involves researchers, medical device manufacturers, and industrial partners to bring the system to fruition.
By utilizing kilovoltage X-rays and cost-effective designs, the KOALA system presents a more affordable alternative to conventional radiotherapy.
The team's focus is on not only cost reduction but also enhancing treatment capabilities for a wider population in need.
The potential of the system lies in its ability to provide effective cancer treatment where resources are limited and conventional options are not readily available.