MD Anderson initiates orders of Cesium-131 to help control intermediate risk prostate cancer

Oct 11 2011

IsoRay Inc. (AMEX: ISR), a medical technology company and innovator in seed brachytherapy and medical radioisotope applications, announced today that MD Anderson Cancer Center has initiated orders of Cesium-131 brachytherapy (internal radiation therapy) seeds as it continues its clinical research study investigating brachytherapy's ability to help control intermediate risk prostate cancer. "Intermediate risk" is a classification of early stage prostate cancer that has shown a tendency to recur following standard treatments including surgery and radiation therapy.

The current phase of the study will compare Cesium-131 to other, previously used isotopes. With other centers' prior successes using Cesium-131 in treating prostate cancer, principal investigator Dr. Steven J. Frank hopes to evaluate Cesium-131's effectiveness in addressing intermediate risk prostate cancer and its quality of life benefits. The study will also evaluate PSA response and the patient's return to urinary function baseline as well as normal lifestyle activities. High levels of PSA typically indicate the presence of prostate cancer.

Cesium-131 has a higher average energy than any other commonly used brachytherapy isotope and results in a more homogeneous dose. Other cancer centers' studies have demonstrated Cesium-131's ability to deliver the required radiation dose with excellent homogeneity across the entire prostate gland, while limiting damage to other tissue and body structures including the urethra and rectum.

IsoRay CEO Dwight Babcock says he believes this study will add to the growing recognition of Cesium-131's significant role as a powerful weapon in the fight against cancer. "Cesium-131 is already proving its essential value in fighting prostate cancers. My expectation is that this research study will be significant in identifying Cesium-131's improved cancer control for intermediate risk prostate cancer. I feel strongly that it will demonstrate Cesium-131's superiority over other isotopes and its ability to provide a faster return to urinary function baseline and normal daily activities." Babcock says that Cesium-131's full potential is just beginning to be realized as thought leaders seek solutions for treating cancers in other body sites. He pointed to its growing adoption in treating cancers throughout the body including recent exciting applications in treating Glioblastomas and metastasized brain cancer as well as lung cancers.

Source: IsoRay