IsoRay, Inc. (Amex:ISR) announced today another milestone in the use of Cesium-131 (Cs-131) brachytherapy seeds (internal radiation therapy). Doctors at a world renowned medical facility have performed the world's first Cs-131 brachytherapy seed implant following a wedge resection of a lung tumor which originated from a form of malignant uterine cancer. Initially used to treat primary cancers, Cs-131 seeds are now being used to treat metastasized cancer. http://www.isoray.com/history_of_brachytherapy.asp
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Each year, over 222,500 Americans develop primary lung cancer. In addition, more than 100,000 cases of metastasized lung cancers are diagnosed very year. When a cancer spreads (metastasizes) from its original site to other areas of the body, it is called metastatic cancer. All cancers have the potential to spread this way.
The Cs-131 brachytherapy seeds implant was performed on a patient with a history of uterine cancer, who was disease free until the cancer reoccurred in a lung. The patient did not have the lung capacity to undergo a surgical procedure to remove the cancerous lobe of the lung (lobectomy). Cs-131 was selected because of its high dose rate and its ability to have a positive impact in controlling the highly aggressive tumor.
The use of Cs-131 brachytherapy seeds for metastasized lung cancer represents the latest advancement in the expanding adoption of this groundbreaking internal radiation therapy for cancers throughout the body. Cs-131 is now being used successfully to treat prostate, lung, colon, ocular, head and neck cancers at more than 100 centers throughout the U.S.
Radiation is one of the most important and potent weapons used in treating cancers. Brachytherapy is internal radiation therapy in which radioactive material (isotopes) is used to kill cancer cells. IsoRay's patented Cs-131 brachytherapy seeds represent the biggest advancement in internal radiation therapy in twenty years, providing several advantages over other internal radiation therapies. Doctors can vigorously treat a variety of cancers with reduced side effects and limited damage to healthy surrounding tissues and organs compared to other internal radiation therapies. Cs- 131 seeds deliver radiation quickly and aggressively compared to other types of internal, low dose rate radiation. In addition, Cs-131 is minimally invasive, provides higher energy, more rapid delivery of a uniform dose of radiation, and has a shorter half life (9.7 days) than other radioactive isotopes used in internal radiation therapy. The pioneering treatment impacts longevity and cure rates, can be performed outside a hospital setting, and results in a patient's faster return to normal activities.
IsoRay CEO Dwight Babcock says the latest progress reflects the Company's strategic plan to work with leading medical facilities worldwide to continue expanded usage of the Company's patented Cs-131 brachytherapy seeds throughout the body. "From our initial focus on the treatment of prostate cancer, we are seeing increased revenues from new treatment sites addressing cancers throughout the body. We are experiencing a proliferation of inquiries from physicians and medical institutions both domestically and internationally who want to provide their patients with this important new treatment option. In the near future, we will be discussing advancements in the adoption and usage of Cs-131 brachytherapy."
The FDA has cleared Cesium-131 for use in the treatment of cancers throughout the body including breast and brain cancers.
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