Success of BSD-2000 as lead article in The Lancet
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Friday March 31, 8:09 am Eastern Time
Company Press Release
THE LANCET Reports Six Year Study Showing Success in Treating Cervical Cancer - Trials Used BSD-2000 Deep Regional Hyperthermia System
SALT LAKE CITY, March 31 /PRNewswire/ -- BSD Medical Corp. (OTC Bulletin Board: BSDM - news) announced today that THE LANCET, the world's longest running medical journal, has issued a press release to approximately 250 mainstream and specialist media contacts announcing the long-awaited results of a six-year cancer study comparing the effectiveness of hyperthermia and radiation (radiotherapy) to radiation treatments alone. The findings of this study are so significant that they are being printed as the lead article in the April 1, 2000 issue of THE LANCET. (See THE LANCET press release at www.thelancet.com). As a peer-reviewed journal with a world following, this report in THE LANCET will be received with great interest and credibility by international readers (about 60% of whom reside in the United States). The trials reported are a randomized, Phase III study performed on 358 human volunteers with cancer. This study involved the BSD-2000, the company's advanced, phase array system for focusing electromagnetic energy waves to heat deep tumors non-invasively (a therapy known as ``hyperthermia').
Although the study showed promise for the treatment of advanced cervical, bladder, and colorectal cancer using hyperthermia, the most remarkable results were obtained in advanced cervical cancer. Complete response rate (disappearance of the tumor) was obtained in 83% of those who received hyperthermia and radiation, compared to 57% of those who were treated with radiation alone. This 46% improvement is not only statistically significant, it is remarkable. In addition, the three-year survival rate for those who received combined treatments nearly doubled (improved 89%), compared to those who received radiation alone. The study was successfully received by the regulatory authorities in The Netherlands, where it was conducted, and has recently led to government approval and reimbursement there for use of hyperthermia in conjunction with radiation in the treatment of cervical cancer.
The lead author in this study was Jacoba van der Zee, M. D., who coordinated research at the University Hospital-Daniel den Hoed Cancer Center (Rotterdam) and Academic Medical Center (Amsterdam). Funding for the study, including eleven participating clinical centers, was provided by the Dutch Health Insurance Council.
Dr. van der Zee stated, ``In cancer treatment, it is rather unusual to have a modality with the ability to kill tumor cells without damaging the normal tissue. In this study, this expectation turned out to be completely true. There is no nausea or enhancement of side-effects from radiotherapy, and hospitalization is not required for this treatment.' Further information about BSD Medical Corporation and hyperthermia treatment can be found at www.bsdmc.com.
Statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts are forward looking statements, as that item is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties (detailed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission) that could cause actual results to differ materially from estimated results.
SOURCE: BSD Medical Corp. |
