Accuray Introduces First And Only Radiosurgery Products Designed For The Non-Invasive Treatment Of Lung Tumors

Main Category: Lung Cancer
Also Included In: Radiology / Nuclear Medicine
Article Date: 07 Nov 2006 - 0:00 PDT

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Accuray Incorporated, the global leader in the field of robotic radiosurgery, today introduced three new products designed to improve the way lung cancer is treated. These products -- Xsight(TM) Lung Tracking System, Xchange(TM) Robotic Collimator Changer and 4D Treatment Optimization and Planning System -- combine with the Accuray CyberKnife(R) Robotic Radiosurgery System to offer a non-invasive, fiducial-free lung cancer treatment option that eliminates the risk of complications common with the implantation of markers or fiducials. Moreover, the products can shorten treatment times through treatment planning optimization and reduced treatment delivery interruptions.

These products will be on display in Booth 219 at the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO) Annual Meeting at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, November 5-9.

"Lung cancer radiosurgery using the CyberKnife System is growing, with more than a 130 percent increase in the number of patients treated in the last year alone. The Xsight Lung Tracking System offers a significant technological breakthrough which further enhances the CyberKnife System's position to become the standard of care for lung radiosurgery," said Euan S. Thomson, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of Accuray. "With the first and only non-invasive radiosurgical means to precisely target and treat tumors, Accuray is breaking down barriers for patients who may not otherwise be able to receive treatment."

The Xsight Lung Tracking System uses sophisticated image processing and registration techniques to directly lock onto and track the tumor throughout the treatment. It works seamlessly with Accuray's Synchrony(R) Respiratory Tracking System to track, detect and correct for tumor and patient movement, allowing patients to breathe normally without the need for gating or breath holding techniques. Xsight Lung's radiosurgery accuracy may eliminate the need for the invasive placement or tracking of radiographic markers or fiducials reducing the risk inherent to traditional treatment methods.

The Xsight Lung Tracking System is designed to offer a non-invasive, more comfortable alternative for patients while maintaining the precision and accuracy required for radiosurgery treatments. Published data(1) states that there is a risk of pneumothorax when fiducials are used to mark lung tumors. By using non-invasive means to precisely target lung tumors, oncologists will be able to more quickly and effectively treat patients, including ones who are now considered to be medically inoperable.

"Radiosurgery with the CyberKnife System has proven to be quite successful in treating our lung cancer patients," said John J. Kresl MD, PhD of Arizona Oncology Services at St. Joseph's Hospital and Barrow Neurological Institute. "Because these new tools from Accuray are non-invasive, we believe they will enhance our ability to treat lung tumors, including those in patients who may not be able to withstand the complications that could result from the implantation of fiducials."

"A study in the most recent issue of the New England Journal of Medicine showed that regular screenings detected lung cancer in its earliest stages, and was curable when treatment quickly followed," said Eric P. Lindquist, senior vice president and chief marketing officer. "We believe the Accuray CyberKnife System offers these stage I lung cancer patients an ideal alternative. With over 1000 patients treated on the CyberKnife System to date, we believe that radiosurgery will continue to be a viable treatment option for lung cancer patients."

Also debuting at ASTRO today are the:

-- Xchange Robotic Collimator Changer, which has the automated ability to change secondary collimators during the treatment, eliminating the need to re-enter the treatment room, while also minimizing related treatment delays.

-- 4D Treatment Optimization and Planning System, which takes into account not only the movement of the tumor, but also the movement and deformation of tissue. Using this system, clinicians can better deliver the prescribed radiation dose to the targeted area while minimizing the damage to surrounding tissue.

About the CyberKnife(R) Robotic Radiosurgery System

The CyberKnife System is the world's first and only radiosurgery system that utilizes intelligent robotics to treat tumors anywhere in the body with sub-millimeter accuracy. The CyberKnife System treats patients in single or staged (typically 2-5) sessions by delivering multiple beams of precisely directed radiation that converge upon the tumor while minimizing injury to surrounding healthy tissue. Image guidance and computer controlled robotics combine to continuously track, detect and correct for tumor and patient movement throughout the treatment. Because of this precision and accuracy, no head or body frame is required.

About Accuray

Accuray Incorporated is a global leader in the field of robotic radiosurgery. Its CyberKnife System is the world's first and only intelligent robotic radiosurgery system designed to treat tumors anywhere in the body with sub-millimeter accuracy. More than 100 CyberKnife Systems have been purchased by leading medical centers throughout the world and a large body of peer-reviewed papers supports its clinical practice. To date, the CyberKnife System has treated more than 25,000 patients worldwide. For more information, please visit http://www.accuray.com.

(1) Reichner, Cristina A., et al. The Placement of Gold Fiducials for CyberKnife Stereotactic Radiosurgery Using a Modified Transbronchial Needle Aspiration Technique. J Bronchol. 2005;12:193-195.

Accuray Incorporated
http://www.accuray.com/

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