Study Demonstrates 100% Freedom from Local Progression Rate & 0% Rate of Radionecrosis
RICHLAND, Wash., June 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — IsoRay, Inc. (NYSE MKT: ISR), a medical technology company and innovator in seed brachytherapy and medical radioisotope applications for the treatment of prostate, brain, lung, head and neck and gynecological cancers, today announced the publication of a study entitled, “Clinical Outcomes of Large Brain Metastases Treated with Neurosurgical Resection and Intraoperative Cesium-131 Brachytherapy: Results of a Prospective Trial” in the highly respected International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics (the ‘Red Journal’).”
The study was published on the Red Journal’s website on June 12, 2017. The study was conducted by Gabriella A. Wernicke, M.D., M.Sc. and Theodore H. Schwartz M.D., of the Stich Radiation Oncology Center and Department of Neurosurgery, Brain and Spine Center, Weill Cornell Medical College/New York-Presbyterian Hospital, NYC, NY.
The study assessed the impact of permanent low-dose rate Cesium-131 brachytherapy on local control and radionecrosis (RN) in patients treated for large brain metastases. Forty-two patients with a total of 46 metastases >2.0 cm in preoperative diameter were accrued onto a prospective trial between 2010 and 2015. Patients underwent surgical resection with intra-operative placement of stranded Cesium-131 seeds as permanent volume implants in the resection cavity.
The study demonstrated a 100% freedom from local progression rate, meaning that the surgically removed brain metastases did not re-grow. In addition, there was a 0% rate of radionecrosis, a significant side effect of radiation therapy to the brain. Radiation necrosis is especially problematic when larger brain metastases (with diameters 2 cm or larger) are treated with radiation.
The study’s authors concluded that intraoperative Cesium-131 brachytherapy is a safe and effective adjuvant therapy for large brain metastases requiring neurosurgical intervention.
Bill Cavanagh, Chief Scientific Officer of IsoRay, Inc. commented, “Evidence of Cesium-131’s efficacy in treating brain cancer continues to increase as supported by this important study. The work of Drs. Wernicke and Schwartz is truly pioneering and provides hope that we can continue to improve the available treatment for those afflicted with brain metastases. Treatment of brain metastases is a large unmet need and we’re gratified that our Cesium-131 product has promise to be effective for the many in need.”
