Image-Guided Thermal Therapy is shown to be highly consistent over various MRI platforms. Currently, there are five image-guided hyperthermia systems treating patients in Europe. A recent quality assurance validation study was published in the International Journal of Hyperthermia comparing heating patterns of the Sigma Eye-MR applicator among different models of MRI systems. See Full Article - "A multi-institution study: comparison of the heating patterns of five different MR-guided deep hyperthermia systems using an anthropomorphic phantom." Curto et al.
Using the five sites in comparison, the study found accuracy and continuity between the systems, no matter which imaging system was used. "These three MR systems from GE, Philips, and Siemens represent a growing family of OEM imaging systems proven compatible with the BSD-2000 3D/MR hyperthermia system." Says Jason Ellsworth, VP Engineering. "We continue to evaluate new imaging systems from various manufacturers as requested for new installations, focusing mainly on the 1.5T MR with a 60-70cm bore."
The BSD-2000 3D/MR Image-Guided Hyperthermia system uses data from MRI taken throughout the hyperthermia treatment to create a pinpoint temperature map. The data, when compared to the previous scan, is used to form a three-dimensional temperature map. "Essentially, every pixel on the screen represents a discrete changing temperature measurement," says Pyrexar CTO Paul Turner. "This results in tens of thousands of temperature data points in every slice taken."
By having a real-time image of the tumor site with a temperature overlay, the operator can ensure that the tumor is within the prescriptive target temperature threshold during the entire treatment. The heat zone's repositioning due to patient discomfort or patient movement can be retargeted with a touch of the screen.
Related Article: Quantitative, Multi-institutional Evaluation of MR Thermometry Accuracy for Deep-Pelvic MR-Hyperthermia Systems Operating in Multi-vendor MR-systems Using a New Anthropomorphic Phantom, by Sergio Curto, et al
Pyrexar Medical was represented at the 83rd China International Medical Equipment Fair (CMEF) in Shanghai, China. The CMEF, established in 1979, has become one of the world’s leading global integrated service platforms for medical device technologies.
While most large events have been moved to virtual, this event has been the largest in-person exposition in the medical field since the COVID-19 outbreak.
Representing our product line in China is Dailan based distributor and long-time hyperthermia advocate, Orientech, Co., Ltd.
Dario Rodrigues Ph.D. is an assistant professor and thermal oncology physicist at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Dr. Rodrigues's medical specialty is the treatment of cancer using hyperthermia therapy in combination with radiation treatments. Hyperthermia is a thermal therapy technique administered by focusing radio and microwaves to generate a cellular heat response. As a physicist, he performs adjuvant hyperthermia treatments of pelvic, abdominal, and superficial tumors. He is also responsible for the treatment planning, thermal dosimetry, and quality assurance of the clinical hyperthermia equipment.
Dr. Rodrigues is also a talented researcher. At the recent COMSOL Conference, he presented his computer simulation results of a novel noninvasive brain applicator, which will pave the way to treat brain cancers using focused microwave hyperthermia.
Treating brain cancers, like glioblastoma multiforme, with hyperthermia and radiotherapy, is not new. Clinical studies, like "Survival benefit of hyperthermia in a prospective randomized trial of brachytherapy boost +/- hyperthermia for glioblastoma multiforme," Sneed, 1998, was an early phase III landmark study demonstrating heightened clinical response and increased survival. But the invasive nature of interstitial hyperthermia requires a specialty that few possess. Creating a non-invasive method of applying and steering microwave hyperthermia may bring some relief to those with non-operable Glioblastomas.
We will continue to follow his progress in pushing forward these advancements in the field of thermal oncology.
For the last 40 years, Pyrexar Medical has developed technologies to allow researchers and clinicians to expand the boundaries of thermal oncology. It is in this pursuit, we continue to develop and improve methods and technologies to lead the world in non-invasive cancer treatments.
Patent US 10,737,106 "Apparatus and Method for Creating Small Focus Deep Hyperthermia in Tissues of the Brain” is another step closer to our ultimate goal of improving the lives of patients with cancer.
Congratulations to our entire team, and affiliated partners throughout the world, for making the patent achievement possible. Special recognition also goes to inventors Paul Turner, CTO, and Jason Ellsworth, VP of Engineering, for making this technological breakthrough a reality.
The infographic above highlights the benefits of using hyperthermia as an adjunct treatment for MIBC (Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer). Information based on a dual-arm study Long-Term Experience of Chemoradiotherapy Combined with Deep Regional Hyperthermia for Organ Preservation in High-Risk Bladder Cancer (Ta, Tis, T1, T2) by Merten, et al., published in the December 2019 issue of The Oncologist. The study treated 369 patients from 1982-2016. Patients in the RCT-RHT group received deep regional hyperthermia, once a week, using the Pyrexar BSD-2000/3D.
An important conclusion is that, not only is RCT+HT an alternative to the surgical cystectomy, but it actually preserves the bladder function where the cystectomy damages normal function of the bladder
What the study may not highlight is the improved quality of life compared to the current standard of care, Cystectomy. If you have a radical cystectomy, you'll need reconstructive surgery to create a new way for urine to leave your body. Depending on the type of reconstruction, patients may need to learn how to empty a urostomy bag or have a catheter into their stoma.
Cystectomy Side Effects not found in hyperthermic approach:
- Infections
- Urine leaks
- Incontinence
- Pouch stones
- Blockage of urine flow
- Erectile Disfunction
- Absorption problems (depends on the amount of intestine that was used)
The complete article is available on the NIH PubMed website.
In a new study from the University Hospital at LMU Munich, clinicians looked to improve outcomes for patients with triple-negative breast cancer. According to breastcancer.org, Triple-negative breast cancer is cancer that tests negative for estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and excess HER2 protein. These results mean the growth of the cancer is not fueled by the hormones estrogen and progesterone, or by the HER2 protein. Approximately 10-20% of breast cancers are triple-negative breast cancer and is common in women under the age of 40, who are African-descent, or who have a BRACA1 mutation.
“Patients with triple-negative primary breast cancer (TNBC) who have residual invasive carcinoma after neoadjuvant chemotherapy have poor prognosis.” - study quote
The study was offered to 53 patients from August 2012 to January 2019. In the study, patients received six treatment cycles of chemotherapy and 12 applications of regional hyperthermia using the BSD-2000 Deep Regional Hyperthermia System.
Link to article abstract here. https://www.karger.com/Article/Abstract/507473
The University of Maryland Medical Center offers a new Trilogy of Radiation Oncology program at their downtown Baltimore facility. The cancer center, first in the world to provide proton therapy and hyperthermia under one roof, offers the best in cancer treatment technologies to patients. With the addition of the Gammapod treatment system for early-stage breast cancer, the UMMC maintains it's standing as a leader in patient care.
Pyrexar Medical is privileged to have its BSD-2000 Deep Regional Hyperthermia System and BSD-500 Superficial/Interstitial Hyperthermia System in the hands of these medical pioneers. Many advancements and best practices have come from the pioneering work of the Translational Radiation Science Team at the university.
UPDATE: The ESTRO and WCB conference dates have been pushed back as a precaution to travel-related health risks in neighboring European countries.
World Congress of Brachytherapy 2020 and the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology ESTRO 2020, will be held at the Reed Meese Congress Center, Vienna, Austria this year, April 2-4, 2020, July 31st to August 4th. Together they provide a broad spectrum of lectures, exhibits, and information on the state of radiotherapy treatment. Pyrexar will be represented in both events by Sennewald Medizintechnik GmbH.
UCSF-Predicting Benefit from Advanced Radiation Technologies
On March 27th-29th, the Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, will offer a CME Course titled "Predicting Benefit from Advanced Radiation Technologies." The 3-day event will cover a vast array of radiotherapy topics, including two presentations on hyperthermia's role in radiation oncology. Pyrexar is supporting this event with a sponsorship. - UCSF Event Registration Link
The German Cancer Congress (DKK / Deutscher Krebskongress) is the largest and oldest congress covering cancer diagnostics and therapy in German-speaking countries. The 34th annual congress will take place from February 19th - 22nd, 2020, at the CityCube in Berlin. Thermal oncology experts, Dr. Sennewald Medizintechnik, will be exhibiting Pyrexar's hyperthermia system solutions in booth D1.5 in hall B.
If you are planning on attending, please make a note to attend Hyperthermia Interdisciplinary Working Group (IAH) session titled: Hyperthermia - Indications and Combinations, on Saturday, February 22nd, 2020.
| CHAIRS: |
Daniel Zips MD, UMC Tubingen, Germany
Felix Krummradt, UMC Heidelberg, Germany |
Peter Wust MD
UMC Charité Berlin |
"Current state of technology and relevant studies." |
Oliver Ott MD
UMC Erlangen |
"Neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy with regional hyperthermia in rectal cancer (HyRec phase II study)" |
Cihan Gani MD
UMC Tubingen |
"Hyperthermia as part of organ-preserving therapy concepts for rectal cancer." |
Rolf Isssels MD
UMC Munich Grosshadern |
"Interim analysis of the HEAT phase III study on adjuvant therapy for pancreatic cancer." |
Udo Gaipl PhD
UMC Erlangen |
"Hyperthermia and immune response." |
A complete schedule of events is available on the organization's website.
Pyrexar Medical is a proud sponsor of the Eleventh Biennial Conference of the IAHOM ( Indian Association of Hyperthermic Oncology and Medicine) held in Mumbai on 15th & 16th February 2020. The meeting is co-sponsored by the Society for Cancer Research and Communication and Nanavati Multispeciality Hospital.
Topics at the conference include
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- Immunology relevant to Hyperthermia
- Nanotechnology
- Economics of setting up Hyperthermia Center in Emerging Economies
- Hyperthermia from India HIPEC and HIFU
- Innovations in Technology
You may recognize several of the hyperthermia luminaries scheduled to speak which include, Dr. Zeljko Vujaskovic of the University of Maryland Medical Center, Dr. Jacoba van der Zee, Dr. Gerard van Rhoon, and Dr. Hans Creeze of Erasmus MC, The Netherlands,
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A special thanks to Dr. Nagraj G. Hiulgol and Dr. Jugna Bhattacharya for their work in bringing hyperthermia awareness and education to India.
Link to the conference brochure download.
