First Prostate Cancer Implant Using IsoRay and C4 Imaging Technology Completed

The first prostate cancer implant combining IsoRay’s radioactive Cesium-131 seeds with C4 Imaging’s Sirius positive signal MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) markers has been completed.

Sirius is used following treatment of prostate cancer with brachytherapy to facilitate seed localization within the prostate, using a single post-implant MR imaging procedure. The first implant was performed at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, by Steven Frank, M.D.

“We are very excited to have our Cesium-131 isotope seeds chosen to partner with C4 Imaging’s innovative positive signal MRI markers in the treatment of prostate cancer,” said IsoRay’s CEO Dwight Babcock. “By combining two of the newest technologies available in brachytherapy, we hope to demonstrate superior outcomes with the goal of improving patient lives. As we continue to develop our product offerings both internally and in partnership with other industry leaders, our message is clear and the medical community is becoming increasingly aware of the innovative alternative our Cesium-131 products offer to cancer patients.”

“This first implant is a significant milestone,” said Andrew Bright, President and CEO of C4 Imaging. “MR imaging of the implanted Sirius MRI markers was successful and the clinical team were able to localize the implanted seeds.”

“IsoRay’s Cesium-131, with its short half-life, offers rapid resolution of the acute side effects that can be associated with prostate treatment with brachytherapy,” said Frank. “Strands utilizing IsoRay’s Cesium-131 seeds and C4 Imaging’s Sirius MRI Markers bring together two novel technologies that permit MRI-based brachytherapy in order to optimize the treatment quality and outcomes of prostate cancer patients.”

IsoRay’s various products, including Cesium-131 seeds, sutured seeds, stranded mesh and the GliaSite radiation therapy system, are designed to give physicians the ability to directly place a specified dosage of radiation in areas where cancer is most likely to remain after completion of a tumor removal or by placing seeds within the prostate. The ability to precisely place a specified dose of radiation means there is less likelihood for damage to occur to healthy surrounding tissue compared to other alternative treatments. IsoRay’s cancer fighting products diminish the ability of the tumor to recur, resulting in important benefits for patients in longevity as well as quality of life.

“Leaders in the medical arena recognize the important need for a new powerful weapon in the battle against cancer and I believe Cesium-131 is that solution,” said Babcock.

IsoRay is the exclusive manufacturer of Cesium-131. Cesium-131 reportedly allows for the precise treatment of many different cancers because of its unrivaled blend of high energy and its 9.7 day half-life (its unequaled speed in giving off therapeutic radiation).

Cesium-131 is cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and holds a CE mark for international sales in seed form for the treatment of brain cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, ocular melanoma cancer, colorectal cancer, gynecologic cancer, head and neck cancer and other cancers throughout the body. The treatment can be deployed using several delivery methods including single seed applicators, implantable strands and seed sutured mesh.

Brachytherapy technology company IsoRay Inc. is based in Richland, Wash.

C4 Imaging LLC is based in Houston, Texas.