PALO ALTO, Calif., Jan. 13 -- Varian Medical Systems and GE Medical Systems have formed an alliance for marketing, sales, and product development in North America that will enable the companies to offer a package of diagnostic imaging and radiation therapy systems for treating cancer. The companies expect the alliance to speed deployment of integrated systems for advanced radiotherapy, including high-resolution intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT).Under the terms of the agreement, GE Medical Systems will make available its nuclear medicine, computed tomography and positron emission tomography diagnostic imaging products to North American radiation oncology customers solely through Varian Medical Systems' marketing and sales channels. The two companies also plan to collaborate on information technology and product development in order to integrate diagnostic and radiation therapy systems for improved patient care and cancer management.