Ultrasound Therapeutics Ltd brings radical new Chinese cancer
treatment to the Western World
Thanks to recent European approval (CE Mark) thousands of liver
and kidney cancer sufferers across the World could now benefit
from a remarkable piece of proven medical technology from China.
Since 1997 the model-JC Tumour Therapy System (Chongqing HaifuTM
Technology Co, China) has successfully treated over 8,000
patients with a variety of cancers at over 20 centres in the Far
East. Supported by successful clinical trials performed at The
Churchill Hospital in Oxford, UK - funded by UK based company,
Ultrasound Therapeutics Ltd - the equipment has recently been
awarded CE approval certification, the first major therapeutic
device from China to have gained CE approval. The granting of
this stringent European qualification could now mean new hope
for cancer patients seeking effective tumour treatment in the
West. Whilst diagnostic ultrasound scans will be familiar to
thousands of pregnant women, High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound
(HIFU) concentrates the energy to a very small focal point.
These focused waves have the ability to literally 'cook' tumours
without the need for potentially hazardous open surgery. The
process requires no incision and also has the added benefit of
minimal toxicity unlike chemo or radiotherapy. However, in some
cases, there is no reason why the process cannot be used in
conjunction with other established cancer treatments. The
model-JC Tumour Therapy System focuses ultrasound waves inside
the body and the point of focus is 'aimed' by the operator using
ultrasound imaging techniques. This allows the doctors operating
the machine to guide the focus directly in to the tumour without
any damage to the surrounding tissue. In order to keep the
patient perfectly still throughout, the procedure is carried out
under general anaesthetic. In terms of side effects, the only
post-treatment discomfort observed were tiny and insignificant
skin blisters and a small number of patients needed little more
than mild pain relief the following day. This information only
serves to corroborate the experience reported from China and the
Far East. The Churchill trials show successful targeted focal
ablation in 95% of treated liver tumours and, in the most recent
trials, kidney tumours have also been successfully treated. The
centre is still undertaking further trials but is also able to
consider off-trial referrals as appropriate. It must be noted
that all referrals will be discussed in detail with local
oncologists to ensure feasibility and practicality of all
potential treatments.
Recent publications in respected journals also show benefits to
patients with pancreatic, breast and some bone cancers.
Ultrasound Therapeutics Ltd
Ultrasound Therapeutics Ltd has pioneered and funded the HIFU
process in the Western World and is currently investigating
HIFU's enormous potential in several other areas of medicine for
both benign and malignant conditions.
The Stockport-based firm is a private company funded by its
shareholders. www.utlltd.com for pictures and text downloads
For sales information please contact David Wild on +44 (0) 161
477 6111 or email davidwild@utlltd.com
For media information please contact Mark Forsyth on +44 (0)
7721 009041 or email press@utlltd.com
Patient enquiry number: 0871 2300424