A New Horizon in Cancer Care: Manipal Hospital Bengaluru Brings India Its First AI-Powered Adaptive Radiotherapy System

On July 31, 2026, a truly momentous occasion unfolded at Manipal Hospital, Yelahanka, right here in Bengaluru. They've just unveiled India's very first Elekta Evo system, an AI-enhanced adaptive CT-Linac platform, marking a pivotal step forward in the battle against cancer across the nation. It's a really exciting time, bringing a whole new level of precision to patient care.

Now, what exactly is this Elekta Evo? Well, think of it as a significant leap forward in radiotherapy. This cutting-edge platform, originally introduced in India at AROICON 2025 in Kolkata, facilitates what's known as Online Adaptive Radiotherapy (ART). What makes it so revolutionary, you ask? It's powered by Iris™ high-definition AI-enhanced imaging and Elekta ONE® Online software, allowing clinicians to literally adapt treatment plans in real-time, daily, as a patient's body changes. This means the radiation can be targeted with incredible accuracy, maximizing impact on the tumor while crucially sparing healthy surrounding tissues.

It’s a truly personalized approach, which is fantastic, especially when you consider the sheer scale of the cancer challenge in India. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) estimates we see a staggering 1.46 million new cancer cases every single year. Innovations like the Elekta Evo aren't just advancements; they're absolutely vital tools in offering better, more hopeful outcomes for so many individuals and their families.

The significance of this installation wasn't lost on the experts. Feras Al Hasan, who heads the TIMEA region for Elekta (headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, by the way), highlighted how Elekta Evo represents the pinnacle of intelligent, personalized cancer care. And right here on the ground, Dr. Vikram Maiya, our Lead Consultant- Radiation Oncology at Manipal Hospital, Yelahanka, puts it beautifully. He noted that this technology allows for a level of precision we’ve only dreamed of before, offering patients here in India access to world-class treatment.

Currently, the team is already utilizing this incredible system to treat patients grappling with cervical, rectal, and prostate cancers. In fact, the very first patient treated suffered from locally advanced rectal cancer, marking a hopeful new chapter in their journey. Imagine the difference this kind of targeted, adaptive treatment can make – it's about minimizing side effects and maximizing the chance of success, tailoring each session to the patient's unique daily anatomy.

This isn't just about Manipal Hospital; it's a beacon of hope for cancer care across the nation, paving the way for more precise, adaptive, and ultimately, more effective treatments. It's truly a testament to India's commitment to bringing the very best medical technology to its people.