Varian "inspires," rewrites software

Engineers at Varian Medical have crafted a radiation oncology management system designed to simplify and facilitate delivery of advanced radiation therapy for treating cancer. The product, called Inspiration, was the focus of the company's exhibit Oct. 19 at the ASTRO annual meeting. Inspiration links all clinical activities, from imaging to planning, simulating, verifying, and delivering treatments. It is based on a unified database and information management system to which all devices and processes are tied.

Varian also displayed a redesigned version of its VARiS Vision radiation oncology management software. Enhancements streamline and accelerate processes involved in treating cancer with radiation therapy. The software simplifies the many steps involved in delivering a multiweek course of radiation therapy, including treatment planning, simulation, and scheduling.

Amid the technology and glitz of ASTRO, Varian executives heaped good financial news on shareholders, announcing their expectation that earnings in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003 would rise by 26% to 27% over the year-earlier period. Net orders were expected to be 10% higher.