Prostate cancer device poised for commercialisation in the US

6 November 2009

An innovative prostrate cancer treatment device developed by University of Wollongong (UOW) researchers has enhanced the Prostate Immobilizer Balloon System  launched by US Texas company, RadiaDyne, at the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO) convention in Chicago last week.

The technologically advanced ‘Prostate Immobilizer Balloon System’, which supports adaptive radiation therapy for prostate cancer patients, incorporates sensors developed by the University’s Centre for Medical Radiation Physics (CMRP), under the directorship of Professor Anatoly Rozenfeld.

UOW licensed the technology exclusively to RadiaDyne for its Prostate Immobiliser System, with the assistance of commercialisation partner, UniQuest. The patent has been registered internationally, and it is anticipated that the new version of the system with the novel sensor will be available for commercial sales in the United States within six months, pending regulatory clearance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

According to Manager of Innovation and Commercialisation Tony Enright, the Moskin Dosimetry Sensor Technology detects and measures in real-time the radiation exposure immediately adjacent to the rectal wall when a patient is undergoing treatment for prostate cancer.

“The rectal wall is an area particularly susceptible to radiation exposure.  For patients undergoing adaptive radiation therapy, this advance in the technology means greater protection from potential complications that are known to occur,” Mr Enright said.

“Launching this innovation into the market via RadiaDyne’s system is going to make a real difference to prostate cancer patients in the near future.”

For more information on the system using UOW’s Moskin Dosimetry Sensor Technology, visit the RadiaDyne website: http://www.radiadyne.com

Media enquiries: UOW - Tony Enright (02) 4221 4129 or ; UniQuest – Leanne Wyvill (07) 3365 4307.