Leo Cancer Care moves upright radiotherapy platform into clinical use
Leo Cancer Care has transitioned upright radiotherapy from concept to clinical reality. The company has received clearance for integrating upright patient positioning and imaging with any radiation beam.
Leo Cancer Care has brought upright radiotherapy into clinical use, marking a significant development for radiation oncology. The company's "Upright Platform" is designed to be beam-agnostic and has received clearance for integration with both particle- and photon-compatible fixed-beam technologies.
Following the first clinical treatment using Leo Cancer Care's Marie® upright patient positioning and imaging system in June 2026, patients can now receive radiotherapy in an upright position. This is enabled by a partnership with Mevion Medical System, utilizing their compact, fixed-beam proton accelerator, and powered by RaySearch Laboratories' RayStation® treatment planning system.
Leo Cancer Care states its flexible platform creates opportunities for clinicians and technology partners to explore compliant imaging system combinations based on patient needs, infrastructure, and services. The company is also developing its own fixed-beam photon platform, which would integrate upright patient positioning, imaging, and a fixed photon beam, potentially enhancing treatment options and expanding access to high-quality cancer care.
Upright radiotherapy differs from traditional methods by keeping the beam fixed while the patient is positioned upright and slowly rotated to multiple beam angles. This approach allows radiation to be delivered around the target area for personalized treatment. Leo Cancer Care claims the system connects imaging, planning, positioning, and treatment delivery around a single patient position, providing clinical teams with one reference point for planning and verification.
CEO Stephen Towe stated that the first clinical treatment demonstrated upright radiotherapy is now a reality. He emphasized the company's beam-agnostic approach offers flexibility and reduces the infrastructure traditionally associated with advanced radiotherapy, supporting the ambition to expand access to quality cancer care. Leo Cancer Care plans to share its clinical progress and future vision at the American Society for Radiation Oncology's 2026 Annual Meeting.