Sunnyvale, Calif.-based Accuray Incorporated has signed a multisystem, multihospital agreement with Mercy health system for the acquisition of Accuray Radixact and CyberKnife M6 systems, building on a 13-year relationship designed to expand access to advanced, lifesaving technology for more cancer patients. The next-generation systems will replace existing Accuray devices as well as competitive conventional linear accelerators.

The order was entered into backlog during the company’s fourth fiscal quarter, which ends June 30, 2018.

Mercy cares for millions of patients annually across four states and was recently named one of the top five large U.S. health systems by IBM Watson Health for the third consecutive year. It is the first health system in Missouri to acquire the Radixact and CyberKnife M6 systems. The innovative agreement between Mercy and Accuray for these systems was reached through negotiations with ROi, which partners with technology leaders to drive better patient outcomes for its members and their patients.

“Mercy partnered with Accuray because we believe the company’s radiation therapy systems offer an advanced and differentiated approach to treating cancer that provides clinical and financial value to our patients, clinical teams and hospitals, and reinforces our reputation as go-to providers for exceptional cancer care,” says Steve Mackin, president of Mercy Hospital St. Louis and co-executive sponsor of Mercy’s cancer care steering committee.

“When the Radixact and CyberKnife systems are installed in the St. Louis and Springfield, Missouri, area facilities, Mercy clinicians will have access to two of the industry’s most advanced radiation therapy treatment delivery and planning systems, and the opportunity to experience the difference these devices can make to their practice and their patients during the routine cases they see every day, and the most complex cases when necessary,” says Joshua H. Levine, president and chief executive of Accuray. “Our long-term relationship with Mercy reflects a valued partnership based on a shared vision of putting the patient first.”