The prestigious European Association of Urology (EAU) has
recognised the important role of cryotherapy in treating cancer of the
prostate by including this therapy for the first time in its new
guidelines on prostate cancer. Launched at the EAU's recent 22nd
annual Congress in Berlin, these guidelines support the use of
cryosurgical ablation of the prostate (CSAP) as a possible alternative
treatment method for patients with clinically localised cancer of the
prostate.
All other minimally invasive treatment options, such as
high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), radiofrequency interstitial
tumour ablation (RITA), microwaves and electro surgery, are all still
considered to be experimental or investigational by the EAU.
The EAU recognises the fact that prostate cancer is one the
principal medical problems facing the male population today(1). In
Europe, an estimated 2.6 million new cases of cancer are diagnosed
each year(1). Prostate cancer constitutes about 11% of all male
cancers in Europe and accounts for 9% of all cancer deaths among men
within the European Union(1). CSAP is now recommended as a method for
patients unfit for surgery or for those with a life expectancy of less
than 10 years.
Cryotherapy uses freezing techniques to induce cell death by
dehydration resulting in protein denaturation, direct rupture of
cellular membranes by ice crystals and vascular stasis and
microthrombi.
This independent endorsement by the EAU recognizes the recent
advances made in cryoablation. Leading the way in the field, Galil
Medical's Presice(TM) Cryoablation System revolutionises minimally
invasive cryotherapy with a state-of-the-art freezing technology,
patented 17g needle design with sharper tips, planning and simulation
software, and streamlined workflow. The system has been designed to
achieve optimal therapeutic benefit with minimal intervention and is
licensed for the cryotherapy treatment for renal and prostate cancer.
In December 2006, Galil Medical completed the purchase of its
cryotherapy assets from Oncura to spearhead expansion into Europe, and
its acquisition of this innovative technology is enabling the company
to expand into new therapeutic areas throughout Europe.
For further information on Galil Medical's Presice(TM) Cryotherapy
System, please contact Galil Medical directly on +44 293 459848 or go
to www.galilmedical.com.
Reference:
(1). European Association of Urology, Guidelines on Prostate
Cancer 2007, A. Heidenreich, G. Aus, C.C. Abbou, M. Bolla, S. Joniau,
V. Matveev, H-P. Schmid, F. Zattoni