November 30 1998  


 

CHICAGO -- (November 30, 1998) -- Nucletron today announced that the new PLATO Brachytherapy software of its modular, integrated PLATO treatment planning system includes rapid volumetric-based optimization for conformal brachytherapy. With PLATO Brachytherapy, radiation oncologists can utilize this new treatment methodology to specify the exact shape and location of the radiation dose in relation to the tumor to optimize the clinical effectiveness. With this tool the dose distribution can be optimized to the complete 3D tumor volume, and not just a 2D slice.


"These advances streamline the treatment planning process, making it faster and easier for the treatment planning team to develop an accurate, aggressive treatment plan," said Edwin Vandermeulen, Managing Director of Nucletron BV. "Where our competitors only offer dose manipulation in a 2D plane, PLATO Brachytherapy offers a volumetric optimisation based on 3D images and "real-time" dose display so the physician can visually evaluate the dose to the tumor volume and critical organs."


PLATO Brachytherapy supports two treatment techniques for Remote Afterloading and Seeds implants. The remote afterloading module offers a wide range of clinical functionality in developing a brachytherapy treatment plan for remote afterloader, such as Nucletron’s market leading microSelectron HDR. It supports the ability to define organ volumes and anatomical areas of interest in 3D from CT, MR, or ultrasound imaging. The software optimizes the treatment plan, displays the dose distribution and exports to the prescription to the microSelectron HDR all within a matter of minutes.


The new seed module is ideally suited for the treatment of prostate cancer with permanent seeds. This easy to use software module supports dose distribution in 3D organ volumes and optimized seed placement. The PLATO Brachytherapy - Remote Afterloading and Seed software upgrade is scheduled to be available in the USA, December 1998, pending FDA 510K market clearance.


Nucletron, a worldwide leader in radiotherapy systems, specializes in some of the most innovative products used for cancer treatment. The company has 11 offices worldwide, with Nucletron headquarters in The Netherlands. The American office, Nucletron Corp. is located in Columbia, MD, to serve the United States, Mexico and Canada.