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Brain Tumor Therapy

• The GliaSite® Radiation Therapy System (RTS) is a new device that treats brain tumors by delivering radiation from within the cavity created by surgical removal of the tumor.  Traditionally, radiation is delivered from an external source, irradiating both cancerous cells and healthy tissue. GliaSite® delivers a high dose of radiation directly to the tissue surrounding the original cancer site, where tumors are most likely to recur, and minimizes radiation exposure to healthy brain tissue.
  

• The device is actually a simple balloon-tipped catheter (pictured below) that is inserted into the cavity created by surgical removal of the tumor.  The balloon is filled with Iotrex™, a proprietary radioactive isotope, which remains inside the brain for three to seven days. 

©2001 Proxima Therapeutics, Inc

• GliaSite® provides a safe and more convenient radiation option for patients with brain tumors.  This new technology offers patients a shorter treatment time and the potential for fewer side effects than  other therapies, such as chemotherapy.  GliaSite® is  especially important for patients with recurrent brain tumors, who have very few treatment options.   It allows them to receive additional radiation therapy, as external beam radiation is rarely an option due to the risk of further harm to healthy brain tissue.