New Brunswick, NJ (August, 21, 2025) — In keeping with its commitment to bring the most advancement cancer treatments close to home for New Jersey residents, RWJBarnabas Health together with Rutgers Cancer Institute, the state’s only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, are now offering the Elekta Unity MR-Linac, a highly advanced imaging and radiation oncology technology, at the Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center, the state’s only freestanding cancer hospital, located on the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital academic medical campus.
The MR-Linac at the Morris Cancer Center will be one of only 100 operational worldwide and one of just two in New Jersey. A third will be available in State when the Melchiorre Cancer Center at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, also an RWJBarnabas Health facility, opens later this year.
“The addition of the MR-Linac is a valuable enhancement to our suite of sophisticated radiation therapy techniques and further expands our leadership in providing state-of-the-art technology at the Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center,” stated Joseph Contessa, MD, PhD, Chair of Radiation of Oncology and Associate Director of Translational Research at Rutgers Cancer Institute. “It enables our nationally recognized physicians to more precisely tailor treatments for each patient, reflecting our commitment to integrating the latest scientific innovations into clinical practice.” Dr. Contessa is also the Chair of Radiation Oncology at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical and New Jersey Medical School.
The MR-Linac combines high field magnetic resonance imaging with precise radiation therapy delivery in a single device. This allows the medical team to clearly see the size, shape and location of the tumor and surrounding healthy organs in real time, delivering radiation therapy with pinpoint accuracy and adapting treatment as needed during each session. This technology may also help spare healthy cells from unnecessary radiation, reduce side effects, and in some cases shorten the total number of treatment sessions.
“Used for many types of cancers including pancreatic, liver, kidney and prostate, the MR-Linac allows us to see the tumor as we are treating it, making real time adjustments and providing personalized treatments,” said Bruce Haffty, MD, MS System Director of Radiation Oncology, RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute. “Its arrival reflects our ongoing commitment to bringing the most advanced cancer treatments including sophisticated radiation therapy techniques to communities across New Jersey, expanding access to innovative care and improving patient outcomes.”
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About RWJBarnabas Health
RWJBarnabas Health is New Jersey’s largest and most comprehensive academic health system, caring for more than five million people annually. Nationally renowned for quality and safety, the system includes 14 hospitals and 9,000 affiliated physicians integrated to provide care at more than 700 patient care locations.
RWJBarnabas Health partners with its communities to build and sustain a healthier New Jersey. It provides patient-centered care in a compassionate manner and is the state’s largest safety-net provider and leader in addressing the social determinants of health. RWJBarnabas Health provides food to the hungry, housing for the homeless and economic opportunities to those most vulnerable.
RWJBarnabas Health’s commitment to enhancing access to care includes a transformative partnership with Rutgers University, including the Rutgers Cancer Institute — the state's only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
RWJBarnabas Health is among New Jersey’s largest private employers, with more than 44,000 employees, contributing more than $5.5 billion to the state economy every year. For more information, visit www.RWJBH.org
About Rutgers Cancer Institute
As New Jersey’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Rutgers Cancer Institute, together with RWJBarnabas Health, provides patients access to the most advanced treatment options including clinical trials close to home at our facilities throughout the state. Our groundbreaking cancer research is the engine that drives access to the most advanced cancer treatments, where our discoveries become your care. This has been enhanced with the opening of the state’s first and only freestanding cancer hospital, the Jack and Sheryl Morris Cancer Center.
Media Contact:
Krista Didzbalis
Corporate Communications Specialist, Strategic Communications, RWJBarnabas Health
732.507.8307
krista.didzbalis2@rwjbh.org