On July 30, 2015 Theragenics Corporation, a medical device company serving the cancer treatment and surgical product markets, reported that it has reached an agreement with Advanced Radiation Therapy, LLC to distribute the AccuBoost technology for the treatment of early stage breast cancer (Press release, Theragenics, JUL 30, 2015, View Source [SID:1234506758]). The AccuBoost technology, developed by Advanced Radiation Therapy of Tyngsboro, MA, is used to provide a radiation "boost" following a lumpectomy. A radiation boost to the lumpectomy cavity margin as part of breast conservation therapy is the standard of care to minimize cancer recurrence. AccuBoost is also used as a non-invasive option for accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI), a form of primary radiation therapy following lumpectomy. Under the agreement Theragenics is the exclusive third-party distributor of AccuBoost in the United States.
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AccuBoost, a real time mammography-guided radiation therapy, has been used to treat over 5,000 women since 2007. The technology’s real-time mammographic imaging provides advantages over other methods of delivering a radiation boost by allowing the physician to visualize the tumor bed and define the appropriate margin to target as the treatment is given. The ability to precisely target the radiation dose minimizes exposure to surrounding tissue and organs such as the heart and lungs. Use of AccuBoost may also result in improved cosmetic outcomes as compared with other methods of delivering a radiation boost1,2.
"This is an exciting step in our history," stated Frank J. Tarallo, Chief Executive Officer of Theragenics Corporation. "For over 30 years we have supported the radiation oncology community with our brachytherapy products for the treatment of men with early stage prostate cancer, and we will continue to do so. AccuBoost allows us to utilize our expertise to provide an excellent brachytherapy treatment option for women with early stage breast cancer. Throughout our history our message to men with prostate cancer has been to know the treatment options. Our message to women facing breast cancer will be identical. Indeed, the mission of our brachytherapy business has been to cure one patient of cancer with each and every order that we ship. AccuBoost underscores our mission of supporting the cure of cancer, and expands on our longtime commitment to the radiation oncology community."
Mr. Tarallo continued, "AccuBoost is a unique technology developed by Advanced Radiation Therapy, an innovative company. Our brachytherapy expertise complements their technical system expertise perfectly. Our established channels in the radiation oncology market segment will make AccuBoost more widely available and expand treatment choices, a plus for breast cancer patients."
Piran Sioshansi, Chief Executive Officer of Advanced Radiation Therapy, remarked, "AccuBoost has a proven track record of effective treatment of breast cancer. Theragenics provides expertise in the sales and marketing of radioactive devices and an extensive brachytherapy distribution channel. Theragenics’ ability to grow AccuBoost utilization and expand access to the technology will be well received by both patients and health care providers."