Palo Alto, Calif., devicemaker Varian Medical Systems has received FDA 510(k) clearance for its Calypso soft tissue Beacon transponder for radiotherapy and radiosurgery cancer treatments.

Initial use of the new transponder is expected toward the end of the year, with full commercial rollout sometime next year, said Corey Zankowski, vice president of product management.

The rice-size transponders can be implanted within soft tissue anywhere in the body, except for the lung. Once implanted, they emit a nonionizing electromagnetic signal, allowing the system to track and monitor their position. This helps clinicians more precisely aim high-energy treatment beams, reducing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues, the company said.

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