Radiation Therapy News and Research

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Radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy, x-ray therapy, or irradiation) is the use of a certain type of energy (called ionizing radiation) to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation therapy injures or destroys cells in the area being treated (the “target tissue”) by damaging their genetic material, making it impossible for these cells to continue to grow and divide. Although radiation damages both cancer cells and normal cells, most normal cells can recover from the effects of radiation and function properly. The goal of radiation therapy is to damage as many cancer cells as possible, while limiting harm to nearby healthy tissue.

31-year-old mother with Gorham-Stout syndrome goes home with virtually rebuilt spine

Laurie Harms, Los Angeles, feared she'd never hold her infant daughter, Sky, again. A devastating and extremely rare bone-eroding disease - Gorham-Stout syndrome - had left the 31-year-old crumpled in a hospital bed - her neck broken, arms limp and useless, and voice muted by tubes.

10 Dec 2010

Toshiba to market Elekta's products and clinical solutions in Japanese radiotherapy market

Elekta K.K., a wholly owned subsidiary of Elekta AB, has entered into a sales and marketing agreement with Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation in Japan.

From Elekta 10 Dec 2010

Celulas Genetica to submit international patent application for Rutherford Procedure

Emerging Healthcare Solutions, Inc. announced today that its newly acquired biotechnology division Celulas Genetica will submit an international patent application for the Rutherford Procedure, a revolutionary new stem-cell treatment for liver disease.

10 Dec 2010

Stereotactic radiation therapy as effective as surgery for patients with early-stage lung cancer

A new study shows that a new type of targeted radiation therapy called stereotactic radiation therapy is just as good as surgery for patients aged 75 and older with early-stage lung cancer, according to research presented at the 2010 Chicago Multidisciplinary Symposium in Thoracic Oncology.

10 Dec 2010

WSJ investigation: A sharp rise in specific prostate therapy parallels high Medicare payments

Roughly one in three Medicare beneficiaries diagnosed with prostate cancer today gets a sophisticated form of radiation therapy called IMRT. …The story behind the sharp rise in the use of IMRT — which stands for intensity-modulated radiation therapy — is about more than just the rapid adoption of a new medical technology.

9 Dec 2010

First Edition: December 8, 2010

Today's health policy headlines include more detail on the deal reached to avoid a scheduled cut in physician's Medicare pay.

8 Dec 2010

Three abstracts on Defibrotide presented at ASH Annual Meeting

Gentium S.p.A. today announced that three abstracts on Defibrotide were presented at the 52nd Annual Meeting and Exposition of the American Society of Hematology held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, December 4-7, 2010.

8 Dec 2010

Microsulis Medical announces first U.S. patient treated with Accu2i percutaneous microwave tissue ablation system

Microsulis Medical Limited, the leading company in microwave technology for medical devices, today announced that the first U.S. patient was treated with the company's Accu2i percutaneous microwave tissue ablation (pMTA) system. The Accu2i pMTA system, which is now in worldwide distribution, is indicated for the coagulation of soft tissue during surgical procedures and recently received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance.

7 Dec 2010

Research reveals new standard treatment options for various forms of lymphoma

The next generation of drug therapies and enhanced treatment approaches for various forms of lymphoma are evolving as researchers continue to better understand how these cancers progress. Research will be presented today at the 52nd Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology introducing promising new options for the standard treatment of advanced asymptomatic follicular lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, and early, unfavorable (referring to patients with clinical stage I or II disease and one or more risk factors) Hodgkin disease.

6 Dec 2010

EHSI announces acquisition of Rotary Cell Culture System

Emerging Healthcare Solutions, Inc. announced today that it has acquired a Rotary Cell Culture System, or bioreactor, developed using revolutionary NASA research in the field of microgravity.

4 Dec 2010

Sagent launches chemotherapy agent topotecan hydrochloride for injection

Sagent Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a privately-held specialty pharmaceutical company, today announced U.S. FDA approval and launch of its topotecan hydrochloride for injection, a chemotherapy agent, in conjunction with the innovator's patent expiry. Sagent's topotecan is available in 4 mg single-dose latex-free vials.

3 Dec 2010

TUM physicist's new approach expected to improve image contrast with low radiation

The DFG cited Pfeiffer's research in biomedical imaging, and in particular his pioneering work in X-ray phase-contrast imaging. His systematic approach has laid the foundation for applications of this technique in medicine and industry, where it is expected to deliver improved image contrast with lower doses of radiation.

3 Dec 2010

Amgen to present data on Nplate studies for chronic ITP at ASH Annual Meeting

Amgen today announced that it will present data from several key Nplate (romiplostim) studies at the 52nd Annual Meeting and Exposition of the American Society of Hematology (ASH), Dec. 4-7, 2010, in Orlando, Fla.

2 Dec 2010

News segment highlights value of hyperthermia for treatment of breast cancer

BSD Medical Corp. today reported that hyperthermia treatment delivered at Texas Oncology-Baylor Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center in Dallas was highlighted in a television segment titled, "Turning up the heat on breast cancer," which aired on WFAA-TV, a Dallas/Fort Worth ABC affiliated television station.

2 Dec 2010

Expert panel at RSNA meeting to discuss medical imaging technique

An expert panel convened today at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) to discuss medical imaging appropriateness, ionizing radiation from imaging procedures and efforts under way to curb overutilization, decrease radiation dose and educate patients on the risks and benefits of medical imaging.

2 Dec 2010

Active surveillance improves quality of life in low-risk prostate cancer patients

In a study that compared initial treatment strategies for low-risk prostate cancer among men 65 years old, active surveillance showed higher measures on quality of life compared to an initial treatment such as radical prostatectomy, although the optimal strategy was highly dependent on individual patient preferences for surveillance or treatment, according to a study in the December 1 issue of JAMA.

1 Dec 2010

APP to launch Topotecan for Injection following FDA marketing approval

APP Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Fresenius Kabi Pharmaceuticals Holding, Inc., announced today that it has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market Topotecan for Injection, and plans to launch immediately.

30 Nov 2010

Aggressive surgery for brain tumors increases survival in children

A new Mayo Clinic study found that children with low-grade brain tumors (gliomas) who undergo aggressive surgery to completely remove the tumor have an increased chance of overall survival. If complete removal is not possible, adding radiation therapy to a less complete surgery provides patients with the same outcomes as a complete removal.

23 Nov 2010

IsoRay to sell $2.25 million in common stock

IsoRay Inc. has entered a securities purchase agreement with an investor to sell $2.25 million in common stock with the potential of $2,075,000 additional funding through two subsequent short term warrant tranches of 90 days and 180 days assuming an average exercise price of $1.40 and that all Series A and B warrants are exercised. Additional funding will occur if Series C or D warrants are exercised.

22 Nov 2010

Cell Therapeutics announces preliminary results of phase II OPAXIO study for high-grade gliomas

Cell Therapeutics, Inc. announced the preliminary results of a phase II study of paclitaxel poliglumex (OPAXIO) combined with temozolomide (TMZ) and radiotherapy (RT) in patients with newly diagnosed high-grade gliomas.

22 Nov 2010

Radiation Therapy News and Research

Further Reading

31-year-old mother with Gorham-Stout syndrome goes home with virtually rebuilt spine

Toshiba to market Elekta's products and clinical solutions in Japanese radiotherapy market

Celulas Genetica to submit international patent application for Rutherford Procedure

Stereotactic radiation therapy as effective as surgery for patients with early-stage lung cancer

WSJ investigation: A sharp rise in specific prostate therapy parallels high Medicare payments

First Edition: December 8, 2010

Three abstracts on Defibrotide presented at ASH Annual Meeting

Microsulis Medical announces first U.S. patient treated with Accu2i percutaneous microwave tissue ablation system

Research reveals new standard treatment options for various forms of lymphoma

EHSI announces acquisition of Rotary Cell Culture System

Sagent launches chemotherapy agent topotecan hydrochloride for injection

TUM physicist's new approach expected to improve image contrast with low radiation

Amgen to present data on Nplate studies for chronic ITP at ASH Annual Meeting

News segment highlights value of hyperthermia for treatment of breast cancer

Expert panel at RSNA meeting to discuss medical imaging technique

Active surveillance improves quality of life in low-risk prostate cancer patients

APP to launch Topotecan for Injection following FDA marketing approval

Aggressive surgery for brain tumors increases survival in children

IsoRay to sell $2.25 million in common stock

Cell Therapeutics announces preliminary results of phase II OPAXIO study for high-grade gliomas

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