Fortis Gurugram Marks One Year of Transforming Cancer Care with North India’s First MR Linac
Fortis Gurugram Marks One Year of Transforming Cancer Care with North India’s First MR Linac
187 patients successfully treated with precision MRI-guided radiotherapy
FMRI Gurugram among Asia’s select centres offering this breakthrough technology
Chief Editor Yogesh Jangar
Gurugram : Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI), Gurugram, today marks the first anniversary of introducing the Elekta Unity MR Linac system, North India’s first and only the second MR Linac in India. Launched in September 2024, this pioneering platform integrates real-time 1.5T MRI imaging with advanced radiation delivery, setting new benchmarks in precision oncology.
With this milestone, FMRI has consolidated its position among a select group of hospitals in Asia (including centres in Japan, Hong Kong, and Thailand) capable of offering MR-guided adaptive radiotherapy. The technology enables doctors to see and treat tumours simultaneously, ensuring precision even in organs that move with breathing or digestion.
Since its installation, the MR Linac at FMRI has treated 187 patients with complex cancers – including prostate, liver, pancreatic, and other gastrointestinal tumours.
Patients have experienced:
- Fewer side effects compared to conventional radiotherapy.
- Shorter and more effective treatment courses – in some cases, as few as 5 sessions.
- Improved recovery times and long-term outcomes.
India has a growing burden of complex cancers, including prostate, liver, pancreatic, and GI cancers, where conventional radiotherapy often struggles to deliver safe and effective results. The MR Linac addresses these gaps by offering:
- Adaptive treatment- the ability to re-plan radiation daily as tumours shift or change.
- Precision targeting – sparing healthy tissues and reducing complications.
- Suitability for moving organs – such as the pancreas, liver, or lungs, where accuracy is critical.
In one case, patient Mr. Dharmendra Singh Verma (59 years) was diagnosed with high-risk prostate cancer with morbid obesity (140 Kg), Dr. Verma underwent hormone therapy followed by MR Linac-guided radiation to the prostate, seminal vesicles, and pelvic nodes. He tolerated treatment well with only mild urinary discomfort and no rectal or bowel side effects. Delivering Radiation to a patient > 140 kg was challenging & MR Linac delivered radiation therapy with high precision. Within three months, his PSA levels dropped from 14.8 to 0.01, showing that the cancer is now well under control.
In another case, patient Dr. Narendra Pal Singh (60 years), was diagnosed with periampullary carcinoma with liver metastases, Mr. Singh first received six cycles of chemotherapy. He then underwent MR-guided Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) on the MR Linac, completed in just one week. A PET scan three months later showed a complete response, with both the periampullary tumour and liver lesions disappearing, and no acute side effects.
Mr. Rajiv Kumar Aggarwal (64 years) was detected with localized prostate cancer during a routine health check-up, Mr. Aggarwal was treated with MR Linac-guided radiation, completed in just one week (5 fractions). He responded to treatment exceptionally well, with no urinary or bowel side effects, and achieved a smooth recovery.
Dr. A.K. Anand, Senior Director & Head, Radiation Oncology, Fortis Memorial Gurgaon, said: “The MR Linac is a game-changer. Its ability to visualize tumours in real time and adapted treatment on a daily basis allows us to achieve precision that was unimaginable with existing conventional radiation. Our patients recover faster, experience fewer side effects, and enjoy better long-term outcomes. This technology has redefined the standard of cancer care not only for Fortis Gurgaon but for the entire region.”
Yash Rawat, Vice President & Facility Director, Fortis Memorial, Gurgaon said: “The introduction of the MR Linac last year marked a new era in cancer care for North India. One year on, with over 187 patients treated successfully, we have not only delivered on that promise but also set new benchmarks in precision oncology. Being the only hospital in North India with this technology positions FMRI among Asia’s leading cancer centres. This milestone reflects our vision of bringing global innovations to Indian patients early, ensuring access to the most advanced and life-changing therapies.”
About Fortis Healthcare Limited
Fortis Healthcare Limited is a leading integrated healthcare delivery service provider in India. The healthcare verticals of the company primarily comprise hospitals, diagnostics, and day care specialty facilities. Currently, the company operates 33 healthcare facilities (including JVs and O&M facilities) across 11 states. The Company’s network comprises over 5,700 operational beds (including O&M beds) and 400 diagnostics labs.
