Hitachi to install proton beam system at St Jude Children's Research Hospital

St Jude Children's Research Hospital has selected Hitachi to supply and install its proton beam therapy system to treat certain forms of cancer.

Hitachi said the system will be installed at a facility which consists of three rooms, two with rotating gantry systems and one with a fixed horizontal beam for the treatment.

The construction of the facility has already started and treatment using the proton therapy system is expected to be provided in the fall of 2015, says St Jude.

St Jude Children's Research Hospital CEO William Evans said by bringing proton beam to their campus, they will become the first center to provide this therapy solely for the purpose of treating children with brain tumors and other pediatric cancers.

"In addition, it takes advantage of recent advances in the technology and will allow integration with our research programs," Evans said.

Hitachi Power Systems Company vice president, executive officer, president and CEO Tatsuro Ishizuka said they are proud of the fact that their system has been selected by the premier pediatric oncology hospital and will be dedicated to the treatment of children.

"Hitachi will continue to contribute to improving treatment outcomes for people with cancer by promoting PBT business globally," Ishizuka said.