Innovative Procedure Available in Boston to Treat Metastatic Liver Tumors

Strategic Insights -

A groundbreaking medical treatment is being showcased on an upcoming episode of "The Economic Report" as part of the show's Medical Innovations for the 21st Century series. The segment highlights the innovative use of SIR-Spheres microspheres to treat metastatic liver tumors, a procedure that has shown promising results in clinical trials. The microspheres are infused via a catheter into the liver, selectively targeting cancer cells with a dose of internal radiation up to 40 times higher than conventional radiotherapy. This minimally-invasive treatment has resulted in increased life expectancy, longer periods without tumor activity, and improved quality of life for patients.

Key Takeaways:

  • Sirtex, a leading developer of targeted and innovative cancer therapies, is featured on an upcoming episode of "The Economic Report" as part of the show's Medical Innovations for the 21st Century series.
  • SIR-Spheres microspheres are the only FDA-approved microsphere therapy for colorectal liver metastases, manufactured by Sirtex.
  • Microsphere therapy is available to patients in Boston, with a full list of treating sites available at www.sirtex.com.
  • At least 60% of the nearly 150,000 Americans diagnosed with colorectal cancer every year will see their cancer spread to the liver.
  • Microsphere therapy using SIR-Spheres microspheres selectively targets liver tumors with a dose of internal radiation up to 40 times higher than conventional radiotherapy, while sparing healthy tissue.
  • Clinical trials have confirmed that liver cancer patients treated with SIR-Spheres microspheres have response rates higher than with other forms of treatment, resulting in increased life expectancy, greater periods without tumor activity, and improved quality of life.
  • SIRT has been found to shrink liver tumors more than chemotherapy alone.
  • SIR-Spheres microspheres are approved for use in Australia, the United States of America (FDA approval), and the European Union (CE Mark).

Statistics:

  • 60% of the nearly 150,000 Americans diagnosed with colorectal cancer every year will see their cancer spread to the liver.
  • SIR-Spheres microspheres are infused via a catheter into the liver, selectively targeting cancer cells with a dose of internal radiation up to 40 times higher than conventional radiotherapy.
  • Clinical trials have confirmed that liver cancer patients treated with SIR-Spheres microspheres have:

+ Increased life expectancy

+ Longer periods without tumor activity

+ Improved quality of life

  • Approximately 7,500 patients have been treated worldwide with SIR-Spheres microspheres.

Sources:

  • "The Economic Report"
  • Sirtex Medical Inc.'s SIR-Spheres microspheres labeling
  • Peer-reviewed literature and medical meetings regarding SIR-Spheres microspheres in combination with intra-arterial FUDR chemotherapy