State-of-the-art technology used to treat cancer patients has been installed at a Zagreb clinic, a move described as a milestone for Croatia and the wider region.

The Edge Radiosurgery system offers a precise non-invasive alternative to conventional surgery, and it's the first to be installed in southeastern Europe.

In January, doctors at the recently opened Radiochirurgia Zagreb clinic began delivering advanced radiosurgical treatments to tackle a wide range of tumors.

And, separately though linked, the opening of the first private hospital in the region entirely dedicated to cancer diagnostics and treatment is promised to help improve on the early detection of tumors for patients across Croatia and other countries.

“This project is really a remarkable milestone for Croatia and the whole region,” Bence Kampos, regional sales manager for Varian Medical Systems, told Balkan Business Wire.

Palo Alto, California-based Varian Medical Systems is the developer of the machine.

“Without a doubt this will help to support existing radiotherapy centers in the region to treat a range of cancers with advanced radiotherapy and radiosurgery,” Kampos said.

The system will help treat “very complex cancer indications throughout the entire body,” he said.

In short, the Edge Radiosurgery system allows surgeons to attack tumors from outside the body using carefully shaped high-energy X-rays.

No incisions are needed so patients face less healing, pain and recovery issues typically associated with conventional surgery, according to the machine’s makers. It uses the axes of motion to provide additional angles for targeting tumors.

"The capabilities the Edge Radiosurgery system offers are perfectly suited to our patients' needs," Professor Dragan Schwartz, general manager of Radiochirurgia Zagreb, said.

"We selected Edge because it delivers state-of-the art technology combined with the flexibility to treat a wide variety of patients," he said. "We expect this cooperation with Varian will bring radiosurgery in Croatia to a higher level."

Radiochirurgia Zagreb is the first private hospital in the region dedicated to cancer diagnostics and treatment and is expected to provide advanced radiotherapy, radiosurgery and chemotherapy to treat a wide variety of tumors.

Patients at the hospital will also have access to a variety of screening procedures to help detect cancer at an early stage.

"We are hoping that working with our colleagues in Croatia and surrounding countries we, will improve early discovery and make a significant step towards a more successful cancer treatment for our patients," Schwartz said.

Varian Medical Systems equips the world with advanced technology for fighting cancer and for X-ray imaging. It manufactures medical devices and software for treating cancer and other medical conditions with radiation.

Comprehensive solutions for radiotherapy, radiosurgery, proton therapy and brachytherapy are provided by the company, which also supplies informatics software for managing comprehensive cancer clinics, radiotherapy centers and medical oncology practices.