Halifax-based Adaptiiv Medical Technologies, the Halifax company bringing 3D printing to bear on cancer treatment, has inked a collaboration deal with printer giant HP and Palo Alto, California medtech specialist Varian Medical Systems.

Under the deal, Adaptiiv will use HP’s 3D printing technology, Multi Jet Fusion, to produce form-fitted coverings placed over a cancer patient’s body to direct the flow of radiation during treatment.

“The combined technology scale of HP and Varian, along with the leading-edge personalization workflow of Adaptiiv, provides the improved solution that clinicians and patients deserve,” said HP Vice President of 3D Printing Louis Kim in Adaptiiv’s press release.

Adaptiiv did not clarify the exact nature of its new relationship with Varian, but seemed to allude to a possible distribution partnership or technology sharing, saying, “Adaptiiv will also work with Varian to expand access to personalized, patient-specific 3D printed medical devices.”

The patient-specific medical devices are boluses, branded under the name “Adaptiiv On Demand.”

The bolus is placed over the cancerous area in a patient undergoing radiation therapy, is exposed to radiation and itself becomes increasingly radioactive, and then transfers that radiation to the patient.

But there can be no air pockets between a radiation bolus and the patient’s skin, historically presenting a thorny problem for doctors. Adaptiiv’s solution is to sell hospitals equipment capable of 3D printing custom boluses within seconds.

“This is a tremendous milestone for Adaptiiv's vision to democratize personalization in radiation treatment," said CEO Alex Dunphy. "Collaborating with brands like HP and Varian who stand for quality and innovation will ensure our solutions reach patients around the world.”

Founded in 2016, the company had raised $7 million and bagged customers in 14 countries by 2020. And earlier this year, it received approval from the Food and Drug Administration.

Varian, meanwhile, was founded in 1948 and commercialized the first microwave tube based on research from Stanford University. Today, the company sells equipment and artificial intelligence software for radiation treatment.