Leo Cancer Care has introduced Grace™, the first upright photon therapy system, at the ASTRO 2025 conference, marking a significant departure from conventional horizontal radiation therapy approaches. The system is named after American computer scientist and U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Grace Hopper, reflecting the company's mission to challenge established conventions in radiation therapy.
Revolutionary Upright Positioning Technology
Grace delivers conventional x-ray radiation therapy with patients positioned upright, a natural posture that growing global research indicates may support more consistent anatomical positioning and organ stability compared with conventional supine treatments. According to Leo Cancer Care, patients who have experienced the technology report that the upright approach creates a more connected and comfortable experience.
"Leo Cancer Care is already known for delivering upright particle therapy technology, and over the past few years we have seen a real paradigm shift as a result," said Stephen Towe, Co-Founder and CEO of Leo Cancer Care. "Grace represents a return to our original company focus of delivering more cost-effective photon treatments to a global stage without sacrificing on treatment quality."
Advanced Imaging and Treatment Capabilities
The system integrates a fan beam CT scanner at the treatment isocenter, enabling planning-quality imaging throughout the treatment workflow and paving the way for online adaptive radiotherapy in the future. Grace also features a large, ultra-fast multi-leaf collimator, challenging conventional MLC speeds currently available on the market.
The system will be compatible with RaySearch Laboratories' RayStation®, the first treatment planning system to incorporate support for upright radiation therapy, as well as RayCare®, the next-generation oncology information system.
Infrastructure and Accessibility Benefits
Utilizing a fixed radiation beam, Grace will reduce primary shielding requirements and lower infrastructure costs, helping to expand access to radiation therapy worldwide. Leo Cancer Care believes that the combination of upright positioning, integrated CT imaging, and high-efficiency delivery will set Grace apart from traditional linear accelerators.
Global Research Collaboration
The first five pre-commercial Grace systems will be installed at leading healthcare institutions as part of the Upright Photon Alliance, a global research collaboration formed in October 2024. Alliance members include Centre Léon Bérard, Cone Health, IHH Healthcare, Mayo Clinic, and OncoRay, who will investigate Grace's potential to improve patient outcomes and challenge conventional radiotherapy practices.
Towe emphasized the company's patient-centered approach: "Our technology has always been bold, but we are pioneering with purpose and that purpose is to put the patient truly back at the center of their treatments."
The Grace solution is currently under development and is not cleared or approved for sale, being presented for research and discussion purposes only.
