Intraoperative Dosimetry for Prostate Brachytherapy using Transrectal Ultrasound and X-Ray Fluoroscopy

Introduction Prostate Brachytherapy is a method of treating prostate cancer by strategically placing small, radioactive “seeds” into the prostate. During a typical treatment, about one hundred seeds are implanted creating a radioactive field within the prostate. Intraoperative Dosimetry is the technique used to determine where the seeds will be implanted for maximum effect. Technology description Researchers at the UW have developed a technique using ultrasound and x-ray fluoroscopy which overcomes the challenges of correspondence of the model and data sets, limited identification of seed using ultrasound, and the false identification of non-seeds as seeds. This novel technique uses the combination of a new image acquisition technique and new registration method. Business opportunity According to the American Cancer Society, over 218,000 new cases of prostate cancer are expected in the United States in 2007 and over 27,000 are expected to die as a result. Fortunately, due to advanced methods of diagnosis and treatment (including brachytherapy) the 5 year survival rate of those diagnosed early approaches 100%. Stage of development Working model available Intellectual property position U.S. patent pending

Type of Offer: Licensing



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