As Varian’s Edge radiosurgery and TrueBeam technologies have become a mainstay in successfully treating cancerous indications over the last two decades, clinicians have looked to Varian’s legacy of innovation to apply the use of radiation therapy medicine to treat non-cancerous indications. Application of radiation therapy outside of cancerous indications brings forth expanded opportunities for clinicians to expand their practice.
Varian harnessed the momentum of the use of radiation therapy in the non-cancerous space at this year’s Varian User Meeting through its introduction of Varian empowerME essential tremor patient partner, Rachel Harris, and her treatment team including radiation oncologist, Dr. Evan Thomas, and neurosurgeon, Dr. Pantaleo Romanelli, from the Renaissance Institute for Precision Oncology and Radiosurgery in Winter Park, Florida.
“Essential tremor is a functional disorder of the brain that causes a severe impairment in patient quality of life as the shakings, especially in their arms, are uncontrollable. Many patients cannot feed themselves, cannot drink or use a fork without assistance, cannot sign their name,” explained Dr. Romanelli. “Many activities of daily life are severely affected.”
After suffering with the debilitating and isolating symptoms of essential tremor for most of her life, Rachel offered the audience a glimpse into her journey and how treatment with radiosurgery allowed her to open a new chapter in her life. “I have been able to reclaim a piece of myself since my treatment,” said Rachel.
It is estimated that nearly 10 million Americans are affected by essential tremor, and this condition has the potential to be genetically passed to children,1,2 as Rachel experienced with a few of her family members who also suffered from essential tremor, including her mother. Now, clinicians who use the Varian Edge radiosurgery and TrueBeam systems are equipped to provide a non-invasive, fast treatment option to patients. “What I really love about doing these treatments is the tremendous improvement in quality of life that these patients can achieve,” Dr. Thomas said.
Varian’s commitment to providing resources that improve the lives of patients who are diagnosed with cancer now extends to patients like Rachel who are suffering with essential tremor and other non-cancerous indications.
“Varian’s empowerME patient engagement and education program offers easy-to-understand, relevant information for patients and their loved ones, with the hope of making every individual feel more prepared and comfortable as they undergo radiation therapy treatment,” said Melanie Eckhardt, Director, Marketing and Patient Engagement. “Rachel and her family found treatment information on the empowerME website, which ultimately led her to choose radiosurgery as the best option for her. We believe that Rachel’s story will inspire other patients to explore treatment options to find the best option for their individual situation and work in partnership with their treatment teams to achieve their desired outcomes.”
“The energy in the room today during Rachel’s session at the Varian User Meeting was phenomenal. Varian carries the spirit of Rachel and her experience as we look to future innovations and ways to expand care to more patients around the globe,” said Sasa Mutic, Head of Varian Radiation Oncology Solutions.
Watch the full story of Rachel's experience on the Varian empowerME website.
The statements by the patient and her medical team described here are based on results achieved in the unique clinical setting that the patient experienced. Because there is no “typical” clinical setting and many variables exist, there is no guarantee that other patients or clinicians will achieve the same results.
Varian resources:
Varian empowerME patient information website
- “Focused Ultrasound Therapy for the Treatment of Medication Refractory Essential Tremor.” Pennmedicine.org, January 31, 2023.
- “Essential Facts about Living with Essential Tremor.” Brain and Life Magazine - Trusted by Neurologists. Accessed July 12, 2023.