Elbit Imaging Ltd. (Nasdaq: EMITF; TASE: EMIT) subsidiary InSightec Image Guided Treatment Ltd. said today that its ExAblate system has been used for the first time for the treatment of prostate cancer patients.
Seven patients with localized low-risk prostate cancer were treated at two medical centers: the NN Petrov Research Institute of Oncology in Saint Petersburg, Russia, and at the National Cancer Centre at the Singapore General Hospital, Singapore.
The ExAblate system has been used until now for the treatment of uterine fibroids globally, and bone metastases outside the US. The system combines real time magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to visualize the tumor, surrounding tissue and the energy delivery path, with a high intensity focused ultrasound beam. The ultrasound beam can be precisely delivered to destroy the cancerous tumor without damaging surrounding tissue.
Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers among men. InSightec said that according to the American Cancer Society, 217,730 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in the US in 2010. According to the World Health Organization, 900,000 new cases will be diagnosed globally. Annual spending in G7 countries is estimated at $15 billion.
Treatment options include surgical removal of the prostate gland, radiation therapy, brachytherapy (implantation of radioactive seeds), and cryotherapy.
InSightec president and CEO Dr. Kobi Vortman said, “Unfortunately current treatment alternatives are accompanied by relatively high levels of adverse events which significantly impact the quality of life of prostate cancer patients. The most common are incontinence and impotence. Due to the introduction of PSA screening tests, prostate cancer is diagnosed at an earlier age thereby increasing the necessity for a treatment option that minimizes adverse events. The ExAblate prostate system has been designed to provide effective treatments while minimizing the debilitating side-effects caused by damage to functional areas of the prostate and neurovascular bundles.
InSightec Ltd. is a privately-held company owned by Elbit Imaging, General Electric, MediTech Advisors, LLC and employees. Headquartered near Haifa, the company has over 160 employees
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on August 31, 2010
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