IORT is a technique where a concentrated dose of radiation is delivered to a cancerous tumor site during surgery after the tumor is removed.  Because the target and normal tissues can be clearly identified during surgery, IORT may increase targeting accuracy, thereby increasing dose to the target and reducing dose to critical structures. For breast IORT, the shorter treatment time is generally more convenient for patients than the seven-week course of external beam-therapy, and may increase patient compliance.

Available for treatment of early stage breast cancer, endometrial cancer, and skin cancer, the Axxent System is also FDA-cleared for IORT and surface indications, which allows the system to be used on any external or internal surface of the body where radiation therapy is indicated.  As a platform technology, the System delivers non-radioactive therapy directly to cancer sites with minimal radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.  In its treatment of early stage breast cancer, the Axxent System provides the opportunity to reduce the therapy time required from seven weeks (for external radiation therapy) down to five days or a single dose for IORT. Utilizing a miniaturized X-ray source instead of a radioactive isotope, the Axxent system can be used to deliver radiation in minimally shielded therapeutic settings allowing the radiation oncologist and other medical personnel to be present during treatment delivery which minimizes patient anxiety. As a result, tens of thousands of patients will have greater access to therapy that is delivered more easily and conveniently.

SOURCE Xoft, Inc.