IBA sells first carbon beam therapy system

23 Sept 2010

Belgian company IBA has sold the prototype of its next generation carbon therapy system to French company CYCLHAD (cyclotron pour l'hadronthérapie), a joint venture between IBA, French company Saphyn and financial partners.

IBA has also signed a research and development agreement with Saphyn to jointly develop the potential of carbon beam therapy. These agreements will enable IBA to continue its commitment towards providing next generation cancer therapy techniques and personalized patient care.

IBA will supply the prototype of its next generation carbon therapy system based on an advanced 400 MeV superconducting isochronous cyclotron able to accelerate carbon ions used in cancer therapy.

IBA will be responsible for the research, development and validation of all technical and scientific equipment, and for the installation of the cyclotron in CYCLHAD's research centre in Caen, along with one fixed beam clinical research room and one fixed beam physics research room. IBA will also provide a 15-year service contract on the system.

IBA will receive a payment of between 60 and 70 million for the equipment and services, dependant on CYCLHAD obtaining the necessary bank financing. As the system is a prototype, this contract will have a very limited impact on IBA profits.

"Carbon shows enormous potential as a powerful solution for difficult problems in the radiotherapy of cancer. Its ability to treat tumours that have had the reputation of being radiation-resistant can be crucial when treating cancers in areas such as the head and neck," said Yves Jongen, founder and CRO of IBA.

"As a pioneer in proton therapy, IBA is dedicated to making the most accurate cancer treatments available to radiation oncologists and patients through new developments that maximize our expertise. This is also the first IBA system using the technology of superconducting magnets which is likely to revolutionize cyclotron technology in the coming years. IBA is pleased to partner with public and semi-public institutions in the Caen area and share the same mission to develop novel techniques that could benefit patient health on a global scale."

IBA has sold 18 proton therapy systems worldwide. A form of radiotherapy, proton therapy delivers a precise dose of protons to a tumour to kill cancer cells while sparing healthy surrounding tissue. IBA is now entering into new treatment techniques such as carbon therapy, a more powerful and precise method to treat tumours, in particular ones which show resistance to radiology treatments. Higher doses can be delivered to the tumour without increasing the risk of side effects and long term complications, thereby minimizing the number of treatment sessions needed and improving treatment results and patient quality of life.

 

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