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Top 5 Linear Accelerator Systems Being Removed

For about the last decade, the U.S. has become a ‘replacement market’ for linear accelerators (LINAC), meaning that old radiation therapy machines are being replaced with new machines on a 1:1 basis.

While many cancer centers are opening up new buildings with new vaults, the majority of new linear accelerator installations are going into existing rooms.  And to make room for the new machines, the old ones are being removed.

Based on our recent projects, below is a list of the top 5 most commonly used linear accelerators being removed and scrapped in the United States:

1. Siemens Linear Accelerators (Oncor/Primus/MD2)

It’s not surprising that Siemens linear accelerators are at the top of this list.  When Siemens exited the linear accelerator market in 2011, so did their commitment to service these radiation therapy machines past the 10-year mark.  As 2021 nears, many facilities will find themselves without the ability to order replacement parts and choosing to remove these.  Nonetheless, many are still good-running systems, and with service agreements from trusted third-party independents, and parts stock from the used LINAC equipment category, many will continue to operate beyond 2021.

2. Varian 600C Linear Accelerators

Before the Varian Halcyon was introduced, the Varian 6EX Linear Accelerator was popular in the United States.  It’s grandparent, the Varian 600C, was a trusted workhorse for many facilities, especially those with smaller vaults.  Although not much of a market exists for these used linear accelerators in the U.S., some are being exported to countries in Africa and used due to their low cost and ease of operations.

3. Varian 2100C/D Linear Accelerators

Varian 2100C’s were discontinued in 1998 to make way for the Varian 21EX Linear Accelerator.  (It’s important to note that the 2100C/D model still used in Europe, and that many newer 2100C/D’s are actually equipped with the latest technologies, including OBI for IGRT, Cone Beam CT, and Rapid Arc. ) Older 2100C/D’s in the U.S. are being replaced to make room for TrueBeams and other machines.

4. Elekta SL Series and Precise Linear Accelerators

Older Elekta LINAC models continue to be removed and scrapped in the U.S., making way for newer Elekta models like the Synergy and the Versa HD.  The SL Series predates even the Elekta years, since many of them were born as Philips models, prior to Elekta purchasing this division from Philips back in 1997.  And the Elekta Precise, although a steady work horse during its era, had to make way for the new VMAT-capable Synergy models.

5. Varian 21EX Linear Accelerators

Many Varian 21EX’s continue to operate and treat patients, mainly with upgrades including On Board Imaging (OBI), cone beam CT software (CBCT), and in many cases even Rapid Arc (also referred to as VMAT or volumetric arc therapy capabilities).  However, a fair number of older used Varian linear accelerators that were never upgraded are now being removed and scrapped.  Some of the very early 21EX’s will often be found without EPIDs (electronic portal imaging devices) or even MLC’s (multileaf collimators).  These old-time workhorses have done their jobs and are going into retirement after long and often illustrious careers of treating and helping cure cancer.

ROS has been professionally removing and disposing of linear accelerators and all types of other medical equipment for over 20 years. When you need help in making room for your new additions, we are here to assist you.

Ed Brown

Ed has expertise in a variety of areas, including sales, logistics, project management and customer support. Ed’s work within the firm involves scheduling and managing large equipment projects, working with customers, vendors, and support specialists.