3/4/2007
Cryotherapy Endorsed by the European Association
of Urology for the Treatment of Prostate
Cancer
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 today1. In Europe, an estimated 2.6 million new cases of cancer are diagnosed each year1. Prostate cancer constitutes about 11% of all male cancers in Europe and accounts for 9% of all cancer deaths among men within the European Union1. 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 cryoblation. Leading the way in the field, Galil Medical’s Presice™ Cryoablation System revolutionises minimally invasive cryotherapy with a state-of-the-art freezing technology, patented 17 g 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™ Cryotherapy System, please contact Galil Medical directly on +44 293 459848 or go to www.galilmedical.com.
For further information please contact:
Cosima Zerdik or Helena Symeou at
hsdcommunications, Gable House, 40 High Street,
Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, WD3 1ER
Telephone: 01923 777277 Fax: 01923 777275
Email: cosima.zerdik@hsdcomm.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
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