Hyperthermia, well known as a radiosensitizer for cancer treatment, has found its way into South Korea’s leading cancer centers. The country, with a population over 50 million, has the third highest cancer rate among women and ranks 8th in the world overall. In addition to treating cancers of the pelvic region with the Pyrexar BSD-2000 Deep Regional Hyperthermia system, physicians have also found profound value in hyperthermia as a palliative treatment. Prescribing hyperthermia to relieve cancer-related pain and increase patient mobility is being used in convalescent centers throughout the country.
(left to right) James Kim, Bob DePalma, Brian Bay, Mark Falkowski
The BSD-2000 units are getting quite a workout in centers throughout South Koreas. Some facilities are reporting 8 to 10 treatments a day, every day, generating an estimated 200 patient treatments a month.
During a recent trip to Asia, Pyrexar CEO, Mark Falkowski met with Hanbeam Technologies president, Brian Bay and his team in Seoul, Korea. Hanbeam is a Pyrexar sales leader and has placed 11 BSD-2000 Deep Regional units in the country in the last 12 months. Currently Hanbeam is waiting regulatory approval from the KFDA to import the BSD-500 Superficial Hyperthermia system into the region.
Hanbeam continues to promote hyperthermia with a major presentation in Seoul this month, inviting well-known hyperthermia expert Dr. Jacoba van der Zee from Erasmus University in The Netherlands. Dr. van der zee has authored many clinical papers and several landmark hyperthermia studies. Her extensive clinical experience in treating a range of cancers using hyperthermia makes her a well-spring of knowledge in a country that is embracing the technology.