HCG Begins Patient Treatment on Karnataka’s First Elekta Unity MR‑Linac

On 18 August 2026, HealthCare Global Enterprises Ltd (HCG) in Bengaluru announced that it has started treating cancer patients with the state’s first Elekta Unity MR‑Linac, marking the introduction of MR‑guided adaptive radiation therapy in Karnataka and neighbouring regions.

The Unity system integrates a high‑field 1.5 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner with a linear accelerator, enabling clinicians to visualise the tumour and surrounding anatomy in real time during each treatment session. This capability allows the care team to adapt the radiation plan online to anatomical changes that occur from one session to the next, delivering highly precise radiation while protecting surrounding healthy tissue.

Cancer incidence in India is rising rapidly; the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) projects that new cancer cases will reach 2.08 million by 2040, a 57.5 % increase over 2020 levels. HCG highlighted that such growth underscores the need for more precise, personalised treatment modalities.

Key Statements

  • Dr. B.S. Ajaikumar, Founder and Chairman of HCG, said the Unity MR‑Linac represents a milestone in precision medicine, delivering radiation focused directly on the tumour with minimal or no exposure to healthy tissue, thereby improving outcomes with minimal side effects.
  • Dr. Manish Mattoo, Executive Director and CEO of HCG, emphasized that real‑time imaging and adaptive treatment will redefine radiation therapy delivery, offering highly precise, personalised care while expanding access across Karnataka and adjacent areas.
  • Dr. John P. Christodouleas, Head of Medical Affairs and Partner Research at Elekta, expressed delight in partnering with HCG, noting that the technology enables clinicians to adapt treatment in real time based on the patient’s anatomy, redefining what is possible in radiation therapy.
  • Dr. Surendra Reddy T, Consultant Radiation Oncologist at HCG Hospitals Hebbal, described MR‑guided adaptive radiotherapy as an important advancement that allows clinicians to see the tumour clearly and adapt treatment each session, delivering radiation with greater accuracy and minimizing exposure to critical organs.

First Clinical Case

One of the inaugural successful treatments involved a 74‑year‑old man with high‑risk, localized prostate cancer. He received hypofractionated radiotherapy on the Unity MR‑Linac, completing a five‑week course without interruption and tolerating the treatment well. Real‑time visualisation and accounting for prostate movement enabled precise targeting while minimising radiation exposure to surrounding organs.

Technology and Company Background

Elekta, headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, employs over 4,000 employees across more than 40 countries, is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm, and treats more than 2 million patients annually in 130 countries with its radiotherapy solutions. The company focuses on precision radiation medicine, adaptive radiotherapy, and integrated workflows.

HealthCare Global Enterprises Ltd, headquartered in Bengaluru, operates 25 comprehensive cancer hospitals across India and Africa, providing advanced diagnostics and treatment under one roof. The launch of the Unity MR‑Linac adds to the steady adoption of image‑guided, adaptive radiation therapy in India, positioning HCG as a leader in delivering world‑class cancer care to a broader patient base.

Implications

The deployment of MR‑guided adaptive radiation therapy in Karnataka offers patients a more personalised treatment experience, with radiation adapted to their anatomy at each session, thereby increasing confidence in precise tumour targeting and reducing exposure to healthy tissue. This technology is especially valuable for tumours near critical organs or where anatomy changes during treatment, enabling clinicians to make informed decisions based on real‑time imaging.