Philips Healthcare extends contract for image-guided oncology
Philips Healthcare will continue its relationship with the University Medical Center (UMC) in Utrecht, the Netherlands to develop new imaging products for the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of cancer. The partners will focus on image-guided oncology interventions to direct translational research into clinical applications.
Xoft demonstrates nonisotope based therapy
Early experience demonstrates that an electronic brachytherapy technique for intracavitary radiation is a viable option for adjuvant therapy for early-stage breast cancer, according to a poster at the ASCO Breast Cancer Symposium 2008. The product, Axxent, developed and marketed by Xoft, delivers therapy electronically, without the use of radioactive isotopes.
First Novalis Tx system installed in Oregon
The department of radiation medicine at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland now offers image-guided stereotactic body radiation therapy and radiosurgery using Novalis Tx technology from Varian Medical Systems and BrainLAB. To date, Martin Fuss, MD, director of the image-guided radiation therapy program, and colleagues have used the software to treat over 30 patients, none of whom qualifi ed for open surgery or conventional RT for brain, spine, lung, and liver cancers.
New CPT code given to Calypso tracking device
The American Medical Association has assigned a new CPT code (0197T) to Calypso Medical’s 4D Localization System. The AMA has identified intrafraction tracking as a new radiation therapy procedure.
The code will go into effect on January 1, 2009. Also, CMS recommends using HCPCS codes A4648 (freestanding centers) and C1879 (hospital outpatient) with Calypso’s Beacon.
