Powerful local radiation therapy to treat aggressive solid tumors
Althera Medical’s DaRTTM technology is a revolutionary new approach to the treatment of cancer that differs from both traditional implantable radiation therapy and from external radiation in many ways that are important to cancer patients. DaRTTM, a form of high power, localized alpha radiation therapy, offers the possibility of treating aggressive cancers.
For patients, DaRTTM may mean additional options for better outcomes. While still early in development, pre-clinical studies have shown DaRTTM to be strongly efficacious against Head and Neck Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer, Lung Cancer as well as Prostate Cancer and other solid tumors. Because radiation is a physical mechanism of action, unlike a drug, the results are expected to translate directly to effective therapy in patients.
DaRTTM is a safe and simple proceudre
DaRTTM treatment will be a relatively simple procedure for patients and physicians. Once DaRTTM is selected as the best option, the first step will be to develop a treatment plan using a CT scan of the cancer. This plan becomes both the roadmap for the physician to place the sources, as well as the instructions for Althera to customize the treatment to each patient.
Shortly after the treatment plan is developed, the DaRTTM kit will be delivered to the hospital, and the patient will return for treatment. During the implantation of the sources, the patient will have another CT taken to ensure proper placement. Althera Medical’s unique treatment planning software will guide the physician with real-time alterations to the plan to account for any changes in the tumor.
The total treatment time should be an hour or two, depending on complexity and tumor size. Unlike other high dose brachytherapy procedures and external radiation therapy, most DaRTTM patients will need only a single treatment session and should be able to leave the hospital soon after treatment with no restrictions as a result of implanted radiation sources.
