An important repository of scientific and engineering expertise, the Center conducts research in support of product development for the company’s business units, as well as contract research for other medical institutions.
      This group passed several milestones in key research projects. It demonstrated the feasibility of acquiring 3D images using cone beam CT scanning on the Clinac linear accelerators and Acuity systems. It also advanced dynamic tracking and image-guided motion management technologies and algorithms that enhance the accuracy and precision of radiotherapy. Another project validated the use of implanted, radio-opaque marker seeds for targeting prostate tumors. Researchers also devised a means for achieving respiration-synchronized 4D CT & PET image acquisition and supported the development of radiation-activated drug delivery systems.
      The Center, which is headquartered in Mountain View, California, also acts as one of the company’s financial segments, where results for contract research and for the BrachyTherapy business are reported.

The BrachyTherapy business supplies products for treating cancer patients by placing tiny radiation sources within tumors. A market leader, this business develops, manufactures, supplies, and services devices and software for planning and delivering all forms of brachytherapy.

2002 Highlights 
The BrachyTherapy business increased sales and net orders, and completed the acquisition of the GammaMed® line of afterloaders and accessories for high-dose-rate brachytherapy. This acquisition positioned Varian for growth in high-dose-rate brachytherapy with the broadest range of products, pricing, and support. The business also introduced a new version of the VariSeed™ brachytherapy product, which enables doctors to improve treatment precision through intraoperative planning.

Outlook 
The BrachyTherapy business is seeking to become a $30 million annual enterprise by offering a wider range of products and services to an expanded customer base. Brachytherapy has proven its value in the treatment of cervical cancers, and hundreds of thousands of American men have been treated for early-stage prostate cancer, with excellent results. The market is expected to continue growing, as clinicians research the use of brachytherapy for treating cancer in an increasingly diverse range of disease sites.

BrachyTherapy Products and Services:
  GammaMedPlus™ and VariSource™ high-dose-rate brachytherapy
    delivery systems
  VariSeed™ brachytherapy treatment planning software for prostate
    seed implants
  BrachyVision™ treatment planning software for high- and low-dose-rate
    brachytherapy

Facilities
  Charlottesville, Virginia
  Crawley, England
  Haan, Germany
  Mountain View, California (headquarters)