Elekta Presents Advancements in MR-Guided Radiotherapy at ESTRO 2026

Recent research showcased at the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO) 2026 conference in Stockholm has emphasized significant strides in MR-guided adaptive radiotherapy across various cancer types. Elekta, the medical technology company, announced findings from over 120 studies by more than 30 international institutions, focusing on cancer treatments for breast, lung, pancreas, liver, kidney, and bladder, among others.

The new data underscores the benefits of high-quality imaging paired with adaptive techniques in refining radiotherapy delivery. This approach may facilitate more precise and less invasive treatments that maintain clinical efficacy.

John Christodouleas, MD, MPH, Elekta's Head of Medical Affairs and Partner Research, highlighted the value of seeing the targets during treatment, stating, “The emerging evidence at ESTRO demonstrates how this principle manifests in the everyday reality of clinical care.”

Prostate Cancer: Towards Shorter Treatments

In a plenary session, the HERMES study from The Royal Marsden examined the use of two-fraction MR-guided radiotherapy for prostate cancer facilitated by the Elekta Unity MR-Linac. This technology allows clinicians to visualize the prostate and adjacent organs in real-time, adapting the treatment delivery—a crucial step when higher dose levels per session are involved. The study indicated favorable tolerability and the potential to drastically reduce the length of treatment protocols, which could lower the healthcare burden for patients.

Rectal Cancer: Supporting Organ Preservation

Research presented from the University of Tübingen's MARS protocol demonstrated that MR-guided adaptive radiotherapy using the Elekta Unity MR-Linac aids in organ preservation strategies in rectal cancer patients. Effective dose escalation and adaptive treatment approaches have shown high response rates, enabling the possibility of non-operative management without the need for immediate surgery and preserving bowel function.

Liver Metastases: Enhanced Precision Treatments

A comprehensive international analysis from the MOMENTUM and OligoCare registries focused on patients with liver oligometastases. It was noted that while stereotactic radiotherapy maintains strong tumor control, MR-guidance provides enhanced precision, potentially reducing the need for higher doses required by standard CBCT-guidance. This capability allows effective treatment delivery in challenging anatomical conditions, thereby improving the therapeutic ratio.