TYNGSBORO, Mass., July 30, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Advanced Radiation Therapy, developer of the AccuBoost targeted partial breast irradiation technology, announced today that it has reached an agreement with Theragenics Corporation, a long established and well respected pillar of the radiation therapy industry, as its US distributor. The AccuBoost technology represents a non-invasive treatment option for delivering partial breast radiation treatment for women electing Breast Conserving Therapy (BCT) as their therapeutic option. In 2015, an estimated 231,000 women in the US will be diagnosed with breast cancer. AccuBoost offers women choosing the BCT course of therapy new therapeutic options that focus on their lifestyle and preferences.
AccuBoost provides treatment options for women choosing either the so-called “gold standard” therapy for breast cancer treatment which includes a lumpectomy then a whole-breast radiation treatment followed by a localized boost, or as the non-invasive replacement for the 5-day Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation (APBI) approach. APBI has gained popularity in recent years as it fits the schedule of active women or those travelling far to obtain treatment. In either case, AccuBoost provides daily image guidance to allow the radiation oncologist to target and deliver a conformal dose and avoid unintended radiation to the heart and lungs. Publications to date have shown less skin toxicity and better cosmetic outcomes with the technique.
Under the terms of the exclusive distribution agreement, Theragenics, will commence sales and marketing activities to expand the AccuBoost presence in the US. “Theragenics has over 30 years of experience in the radiation oncology community and has a demonstrated history of providing life-saving treatment options for early stage cancer patients. Additionally, their ability to communicate directly to the consumer target audience is unparalleled in the industry. We are thrilled to be working with Theragenics!” announced Piran Sioshansi, Ph.D. President and CEO of Advanced Radiation Therapy.
“This is an exciting step in our history,” stated Frank J. Tarallo, Chief Executive Officer of Theragenics Corporation. “For over 30 years we have supported the radiation oncology community with our brachytherapy products for the treatment of men with early stage prostate cancer, and we will continue to do so. AccuBoost allows us to utilize our expertise to provide an excellent brachytherapy treatment option for women with early stage breast cancer. Throughout our history our message to men with prostate cancer has been to know the treatment options. Our message to women facing breast cancer will be identical. Indeed, the mission of our brachytherapy business has been to cure one patient of cancer with each and every order that we ship. AccuBoost underscores our mission of supporting the cure of cancer, and expands on our longtime commitment to the radiation oncology community.”
About Advanced Radiation Therapy
Advanced Radiation Therapy is a key innovator in partial breast brachytherapy through its AccuBoost Technology. The non-invasive, mammography-guided breast irradiation technology was developed and optimized specifically for treatment of the breast. AccuBoost can be found at select radiation oncology centers across the country. For more information, visit www.accuboost.com.
About Theragenics
Theragenics Corporation® is a medical device company focusing on the cancer treatment and surgical products market. Theragenics’ brachytherapy business manufactures and sells products used primarily in the minimally invasive treatment of localized prostate cancer (www.theragenicsbrachy.com) and breast cancer. The surgical segment serves a number of markets including interventional cardiology, interventional radiology, vascular surgery, orthopedics, plastic surgery, dental surgery, urology, veterinary medicine, pain management, endoscopy, and spinal surgery. For additional information, visit www.theragenics.com.