Prisma Health, South Carolina's largest healthcare system, and Siemens Healthineers are significantly expanding their strategic Value Partnership with a $50 million investment focused on advancing cancer care through AI-driven adaptive radiotherapy technology. The multi-year expansion builds upon their existing 10-year partnership established in 2021 and aims to elevate the standard of oncology care across South Carolina and Tennessee.
Advanced Adaptive Radiotherapy Technology
The centerpiece of Prisma Health's $50 million investment is the acquisition of the Ethos adaptive radiotherapy system from Varian, a Siemens Healthineers company. This cutting-edge technology represents a significant advancement in precision oncology, utilizing AI-driven treatment and planning processes that adapt to tumor and anatomical changes in real time during treatment sessions.
The adaptive radiotherapy system provides cancer patients with more precise and personalized care by automatically adjusting treatment parameters to protect healthy tissue while maintaining optimal tumor targeting. This real-time adaptation capability addresses one of the fundamental challenges in radiation oncology, where patient anatomy and tumor characteristics can change between treatment sessions.
Comprehensive Cancer Care Continuum
The expanded partnership goes beyond equipment acquisition to establish what John Kowal, president and head of the Americas at Siemens Healthineers, describes as "a full continuum of cancer care—from screening and diagnosis through survivorship." The collaboration integrates diagnostic imaging, radiation therapy, and post-treatment monitoring with specialized professional services designed to manage complex oncology operations.
"Combining the power of diagnostic imaging, radiation therapy, and post-treatment monitoring with professional services to manage complex oncology operations helps to ensure that advances in patient care are consistent and sustainable over time," Kowal stated.
Operational Excellence and Workforce Development
The partnership incorporates next-generation technology alongside specialized clinical oncology and professional services, introducing new tools and time-saving workflows designed to streamline operations and enhance the patient experience. A key component of the collaboration focuses on developing the local healthcare workforce, ensuring that technological advances translate into improved clinical outcomes.
Clarence Sevillian, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Prisma Health, emphasized the partnership's impact on care accessibility: "Since entering into the Value Partnership with Siemens Healthineers, Prisma Health has expanded access to imaging services and introduced new technologies and care locations to better serve our communities."
Strategic Value-Based Care Model
The expanded partnership reflects the healthcare industry's shift toward value-based care models, where providers are incentivized based on patient outcomes rather than service volume. The 10-year Value Partnership structure provides a framework for sustained innovation and continuous improvement in cancer care delivery.
"Our priority is ensuring that patients have access to care that is both compassionate and informed by the latest clinical insights," Sevillian noted. "This next phase of the partnership reflects a continued spirit of collaboration, integrating advanced oncology tools and support services that may help streamline operations and enhance the patient experience."
The partnership's focus on personalized, efficient, and accessible care aligns with broader industry trends toward precision medicine and AI-driven healthcare solutions, positioning both organizations at the forefront of oncology innovation.
