Innovative Procedure Available in New York to Treat Metastatic Liver Tumors

Strategic Insights -

A new development in treating metastatic liver tumors is coming to the forefront in New York. Sirtex, a leading developer of targeted cancer therapies, will be featured on an upcoming episode of "The Economic Report" as part of its Medical Innovations for the 21st Century series. The segment focuses on the challenges of treating metastatic liver tumors and the role of SIR-Spheres microspheres in providing patients with a treatment option. This minimally-invasive therapy selectively targets liver tumors with a dose of internal radiation up to 40 times higher than conventional radiotherapy, while sparing healthy tissue.

Key Takeaways:

  • SIR-Spheres microspheres, manufactured by Sirtex, are the only FDA-approved microsphere therapy for colorectal liver metastases.
  • The treatment involves infusing millions of radioactive spheres into the liver via a catheter, which selectively target liver tumors with a dose of internal radiation up to 40 times higher than conventional radiotherapy.
  • At least 60 percent of the nearly 150,000 Americans diagnosed with colorectal cancer every year will see their cancer spread to the liver.
  • Microsphere therapy has been found to shrink liver tumors more than chemotherapy alone and result in increased life expectancy, greater periods without tumor activity, and improved quality of life.
  • SIRT has been approved for use in Australia, the United States, and the European Union and has treated approximately 7,500 patients worldwide.
  • The five-minute segment on "The Economic Report" tells the SIR-Spheres microspheres story from both the physician and patient perspective and features expert commentary from physicians and cancer survivors who were successfully treated with microsphere therapy.
  • Sirtex believes that this opportunity will help further raise awareness of treatment options for metastatic liver tumors and improve patient survival rates and quality of life.

Statistics:

  • Close to 150,000 Americans are diagnosed with colorectal cancer every year.
  • At least 60 percent of these patients will see their cancer spread to the liver.
  • Approximately 7,500 patients worldwide have been treated with SIRT using SIR-Spheres microspheres.
  • SIR-Spheres microspheres deliver a dose of internal radiation up to 40 times higher than conventional radiotherapy.
  • Microsphere therapy has been found to shrink liver tumors more than chemotherapy alone and result in increased life expectancy and greater periods without tumor activity.

Sources:

  • Sirtex Medical Inc. Press Release
  • Sirtex.com
  • "The Economic Report" Series
  • Clinical trials data and research studies
  • Regulatory approvals (FDA, CE Mark, etc.)