EDAP starts trial of high-intensity focused ultrasound in liver cancer
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
French therapeutic ultrasound specialist EDAP TMS is to start a phase I study of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) in metastatic liver cancer. The trial, which has been authorised by the French regulatory organisation AFSSAPS, will treat 20 patients over the next six months with a HIFU device designed to destroy hepatic metastases while preserving surrounding tissues. The Lyon-based company hopes the device will expand the number of patients eligible for surgery and increase survival rates. EDAP jointly developed the system with the research institute INSERM 556 Unit and cancer hospital Centre Leon Berard, both also based in Lyon. EDAP already markets a similar device for localised prostate cancer, Ablatherm-HIFU, in Europe; it is being evaluated in the US.