FAIRFIELD, Conn., June 10, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Competitive Technologies, Inc. (NYSE Amex:CTT) today announced the presentation of results from a study that shows the successful treatment of patients suffering from pain associated with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) using CTT's Calmare® Pain Therapy Treatment. A three-hour discussion led by principal investigator, Thomas J. Smith, M.D., Endowed Chair of Palliative Care Research and Medical Director of the Thomas Palliative Care Unit Virginia Commonwealth University's Massey Cancer Center, at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, cited results of the study. In a second venue at the ASCO meeting, Charles L. Loprinzi, M.D. Regis Professor of Breast Cancer Research in the Mayo Clinic's Division of Medical Oncology, presented Dr. Smith's research. The presentations highlighted the conclusion of the Massey Cancer Center study, that "Patient-specific cutaneous electrostimulation with the MC5-A Calmare device appears to dramatically reduce pain in refractory CIPN patients with no toxicity."
Calmare, which treats chronic neuropathic and oncologic pain, received FDA certification for sales in the U.S. in 2009. In June 2009, clinical investigators at the VCU Massey Cancer Center began the first U.S. independent clinical study, to specifically examine the ability of CTT's Calmare pain therapy treatment to decrease pain associated with CIPN.
"The Massey Cancer Center team, led by Dr. Smith, was the first independent group in the U.S. to conduct its own evidence-based study using the Calmare pain therapy device to treat CIPN in cancer patients. CIPN is a very debilitating side effect for some 30-40 percent of cancer patients, causing sharp pain in their hands and feet. CIPN affects cancer patients worldwide, including an estimated 4 million cancer patients in the U.S. Calmare pain therapy is the only highly effective treatment for CIPN without the harmful, adverse side effects of opioids," said John B. Nano, CTT's Chairman, President and CEO. "Finding new, non-invasive ways to treat pain other than prescribing opioids such as morphine is a key focus of our mission to improve the quality of life for cancer patients. We expect to create a paradigm shift in how chronic pain is treated globally, which impacts over 75 million in the U.S. alone."
Conclusions from the ASCO presentations are as follows:
- MC5-A Calmare therapy relieved refractory CIPN pain quickly and significantly, with minimal side effects.
- Some pain relief is durable for months but some requires retreatment and maintenance.
- 4 of 16 had complete disappearance of pain.
- Patients experienced a 64% reduction in pain.
- Some patients had return of complete or partial normal sensation, and relief of numbness, as well as relief of pain.
For more information on the ASCO presentations, visit www.calmarett.com.
"We are proud of the patient outcomes achieved with this breakthrough treatment in the clinical research study at VCU Massey Cancer Center, a National Cancer Institute-designated center that helps lead our nation's cancer research agenda," said Aris D. Despo, CTT's Executive VP, Business Development. "We are excited about the investigators' success using Calmare in treating pain. This research confirms our approach to providing a solution to the needs of cancer patients and to improving palliative healthcare globally.
"Our Calmare pain therapy is also in use at the Paul Carbone Cancer Center at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, under the direction of Dr. Toby Campbell, M.D. The University of Miami Pain Management Center is using Calmare as well, under the direction of Dr. Salahadin Abdi, MD, PhD, Professor and Chief, University of Miami Pain Management Center," Mr. Despo continued. "Both universities are treating patients, evaluating the efficacy of our Calmare pain therapy in treating debilitating pain."
Calmare is being used to treat international patients in Italy, India, Greece, Bangladesh, and U.S. patients at clinics in Massachusetts, New York, Virginia, Florida, Connecticut and Rhode Island. In addition to treating pain associated with cancer and cancer treatments, Calmare Pain Therapy also successfully treats chronic neuropathic pain resulting from shingles, failed back surgery, phantom limb syndrome, sciatica, spinal stenosis and other maladies.
The non-invasive Calmare pain therapy device uses the biophysical "Scrambler Therapy" technology, which was developed in Italy by CTT's client, Professor Giuseppe Marineo. CTT's partner, GEOMC Co. Ltd. of Seoul, Korea is currently manufacturing the Calmare device, which has U.S. FDA clearance and European Union CE Mark clearance for sales.
About the American Society of Clinical Oncology
ASCO is the world's leading professional organization representing physicians who treat people with cancer. ASCO's members set the standard for patient care worldwide and lead the way in carrying out clinical research aimed at improving the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. ASCO's efforts are also directed toward advocating for policies that provide access to high-quality care for all patients with cancer and at supporting the increased funding for clinical and translational research. For more information, visit http://www.asco.org.
About Competitive Technologies, Inc.
Competitive Technologies, established in 1968, provides distribution, patent and technology transfer, sales and licensing services focused on the needs of its customers and matching those requirements with commercially viable product or technology solutions. CTT is a global leader in identifying, developing and commercializing innovative products and technologies in life, electronic, nano, and physical sciences developed by universities, companies and inventors. CTT maximizes the value of intellectual assets for the benefit of its customers, clients and shareholders. Visit CTT's website: www.competitivetech.net
Statements made about our future expectations are forward-looking statements and subject to risks and uncertainties as described in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2009, filed with the SEC on October 27, 2009, and other filings with the SEC, and are subject to change at any time. Our actual results could differ materially from these forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statement.