Dowling & Dennis Public RelationsLiz Dowling, 415-388-2794
A unique three-dimensional tissue marker, designed to identify the surgical site of tumor removal, enables physicians to easily target the site for breast cancer treatment and surveillance. The utility of the BioZorb marker for radiation therapy, which is implanted by breast surgeons, was confirmed in a scientific presentation at the recent American Society of Breast Surgeons’ (ASBrS) annual meeting.
Doctors reported a series of early-stage breast cancer patients that had the 3-D BioZorb implanted during the surgical removal of a breast cancer tumor.
“The BioZorb tissue marker is inserted at the time of surgery, positioned and then secured within the lumpectomy cavity. It doesn't interfere with any other surgical techniques used to remove the cancer or the lymph nodes,” said lead author Michael J. Cross, M.D. a surgical oncologist at Breast Treatment Associates of Fayetteville, Ark. "I'm really excited about the results we're getting with the BioZorb. It even works well with reconstructive techniques used to rebuild the breast."
The 15 women evaluated ranged from 54 to 83 years of age. Most patients received the standard six-week course of whole breast irradiation with a boost of radiation to the tumor bed, while two patients received accelerated regimens using advanced techniques.
“The BioZorb marker was easily identified in CT scan images of all the women, and it provided a level of visual guidance that is well beyond what we typically see during the radiation planning process,” said Dr. Joseph G. Ross, a radiation oncologist at the Highlands Oncology Group, in Fayetteville. “The BioZorb was especially useful when there was no visible residual seroma, a condition often encountered during radiation therapy planning that makes it very difficult to identify the target region for radiation. Better targeting should translate to less radiation to normal tissues, which is a good thing for patients.”
The 3-D marker, made by Focal Therapeutics, may also assist with patient positioning during treatment, as well as advanced treatment techniques such as image-guided radiation therapy and image-based tracking of the lumpectomy site during respiratory motion, the authors reported.
The BioZorb device is made of a bioabsorbable material (i.e., it can be resorbed by the body over time). The device also contains several permanent titanium clips to enhance visibility and to help identify the tumor excision site during long-term patient follow up.
BioZorb received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in February 2012. The device is available in a range of sizes to accommodate specific clinical situations.
Focal Therapeutics is a medical device company based in Silicon Valley. The company’s first product is the BioZorb™ tissue marker, a bioabsorbable device that provides radiographic marking of soft tissue sites. The BioZorb device is placed at the time of surgical removal of tissue, such as during breast surgery. The device’s three-dimensional array of marker elements has unique clinical utility for patient imaging. Focal Therapeutics is led by a seasoned team with a proven track record in the successful development and commercialization of medical products.
For more information about Focal Therapeutics, call 650-530-2394 or email .