Siemens Healthineers unveils helium-independent MRI system for radiotherapy

/ in Product News

Siemens Healthineers has introduced its latest magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system specifically designed for radiation therapy at the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO) 2025 congress in Vienna. The new 1.5T Magnetom Flow RT Pro Edition represents a significant advancement in sustainable MRI technology for radiotherapy applications.

Key innovations in sustainable design

The system features helium-independent technology that eliminates the need for a quench pipe, allowing it to be positioned close to linear accelerators in radiation therapy departments. This proximity reduces the time between imaging and treatment delivery, enhancing workflow efficiency.

Utilising DryCool technology, the Magnetom Flow RT Pro Edition requires only 0.7 litres of liquid helium for magnet cooling – compared to approximately 1,000 litres in conventional scanners – without the need for refilling. Additionally, the system incorporates Smart System Timer and Eco Power Mode features that enable energy savings of up to 45 percent over previous scanners.

Clinical benefits for radiotherapy planning

MRI provides excellent soft-tissue contrast for precise tumour and organ contouring, as well as functional information such as cell density, which enables treatment response assessment. These capabilities enhance the physicians’ ability to monitor and adapt treatment for individual patients.

Dr Florian Putz, Senior Physician at the Department of Radiation Oncology, Uniklinikum Erlangen, Germany, commented: “We can provide access to the machine at short notice to maintain short intervals between MRI and radiation therapy. In my opinion, MRI plays a key role in radiation therapy for almost all parts of the body. This is particularly true in areas where CT imaging reaches its limits – such as the brain with brain tumours, the head and neck, and the pelvis with pelvic tumours.”

Overcoming installation challenges

Historically, integrating MRI systems into radiation therapy departments has presented significant challenges. Conventional MRI systems require quench pipes to safely vent helium in the event of an emergency shutdown, which necessitated complex alterations to the thick cement walls of linear accelerator bunkers.

The Magnetom Flow RT Pro Edition addresses these challenges with its helium-independent technology and compact 25m² footprint, enabling straightforward installation and operation near linear accelerator bunkers.

Enhanced workflow and adaptive radiotherapy

A significant advantage of the system is that patients can be scanned in the treatment position. Furthermore, the Magnetom Flow RT Pro Edition offers MR-based Synthetic CT capabilities, which helps avoid image registration errors and patient scheduling challenges that typically occur when integrating multiple imaging modalities.

The scanner also serves as an enabler for adaptive radiotherapy, allowing treatment plans to be modified as needed to optimise targeting of the treatment area while preserving healthy tissue.

Gabriel Haras, head of Cancer Therapy Imaging at Siemens Healthineers, stated: “Imaging is the foundation of radiation therapy. While CT remains the basis for treatment planning, the clinical value that MRI adds has a positive impact on patient outcomes. We are very proud to be expanding our portfolio with this dedicated 1.5T MR-Scanner, which is tailor-made to the needs of radiation therapy, easy to use and efficient, powered by AI.”

The Magnetom Flow is currently under development and not commercially available. It is not for sale in the U.S.

• For more information, visit: https://www.siemens-healthineers.com/radiotherapy/mri-for-rt/magnetom-flow-rt