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Providence Health System Purchases Multiple Elekta Synergy(R) Systems to Improve Cancer Treatment

Posted on: Tuesday, 2 May 2006, 09:01 CDT

ATLANTA, May 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Six Elekta Synergy(R) systems, the leading system for image guided radiation therapy (IGRT), have been purchased by Providence Health System. The health system, which operates 18 acute care facilities in four states, signed an exclusive, five-year provider contract with Elekta in September, 2005.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020318/ELEKTALOGO)

The six Elekta Synergy(R) systems will be installed at Providence Portland Medical Center (Oregon), Valley Radiation Oncology Center (California) and the new Roy and Patricia Disney Cancer Center (California). Providence Health System chose Elekta Synergy(R) for image guided and stereotactic radiation therapy (IGRT and SRT) based on Elekta's unique technology for integrated 3D volumetric imaging at the time of treatment.

"We are always seeking ways to improve the quality of care that we provide patients. The highly advanced technology of Elekta Synergy(R) allows us to more accurately target cancer while sparing healthy tissue, thereby ensuring a better quality of life for our patients," said Steven Seung, M.D., Ph.D., Director of The Gamma Knife(R) Center of Oregon and Radiation Oncologist at The Oregon Clinic. "In addition, as a not-for-profit organization, we seek solutions that are as cost-efficient as they are effective, and Elekta Synergy(R) amply satisfied that criteria."

Only Elekta offers true 3D X-ray Volume Imaging at the time of treatment, enabling visualization of soft tissue structures as treatment is being provided. Elekta's unique experience in image guidance and stereotactic applications in radiation treatment reaches back more than 30 years. On the basis of this experience and recent innovations that set new standards for radiotherapy precision, Elekta leads the development of advanced methods for ultra-precise radiation treatments.

"We are proud to have been chosen as a long-term partner in Providence's ongoing expansion of oncology care capacity and clinical improvement program," said Anthony De Carolis, CEO of Elekta, Inc. and President of Elekta operations in North America. "This collaboration is another proof of Elekta's clinical and technological leadership in advanced methods in radiation oncology, currently resulting in a rapid growth and strengthening of Elekta's position in the highly competitive U.S. market."

Elekta's radiation oncology and stereotactic radiosurgery solutions are readily available to over 80 percent of acute care hospitals that report providing radiation therapy, thanks to contracts with several of the nation's largest healthcare group purchasing organizations (GPOs).

About Providence Health System

Providence Health System extends its mission of caring and commitment across a four-state area -- Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and California. A comprehensive array of services is available to meet the varied needs of communities. These include acute and primary care, outpatient services, transitional care, home and hospice care, substance abuse programs, mental health treatment, comprehensive outreach programs including prevention and wellness, long term care, assisted living, and housing.

Providence Health System operates 18 acute care hospitals, 12 freestanding long term care facilities, and 20 low income and assisted living facilities. The system also works closely with its network of physician organizations and sponsors health plans covering more than 853,000 members and other eligible lives in Oregon and southwest Washington.

The health system's four statewide regions are further divided into service areas, with nearly 34,000 employees serving within their respective geographic locations. The system office is located in Seattle, Washington.

About Elekta

Elekta is an international medical-technology group, providing meaningful clinical solutions, comprehensive information systems and services for improved cancer care and management of brain disorders. All of Elekta's solutions employ non-invasive or minimally invasive techniques and are therefore clinically effective, gentle on the patient and cost-effective.

Clinical solutions include Leksell Gamma Knife(R) for non-invasive radiosurgery in the brain and Elekta Synergy(R) for image guided radiation therapy (IGRT). Following the acquisition of IMPAC Medical Systems Inc. in April 2005, the Elekta Group became the world's largest supplier of oncology software.

Elekta's systems and solutions are used in over 3,000 hospitals around the world to treat cancer and to manage clinical operations as well as to diagnose and treat brain disorders, including tumors, vascular malformations and functional disorders.

With approximately 1,850 employees, Elekta's corporate headquarters is located in Stockholm, Sweden, and the company is listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange under the ticker EKTAb.

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020318/ELEKTALOGOPRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

Elekta, Inc.

CONTACT: Michelle Lee, PR and Advertising Manager, +1-770-670-2447, ormichelle.lee@elekta.com, or Investor inquiries, Peter Ejemyr, Group VPCorporate Communications, +46 733 611 000, or peter.ejemyr@elekta.com, both ofElekta, Inc.

Web site: http://www.elekta.com/

Source: PRNewswire

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