PALO ALTO, Calif., Oct. 12, 2020 /PRNewswire/
-- Varian (NYSE: VAR) today announced the company has
received an Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) from the
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the first-ever clinical
trial of FLASH therapy, an experimental treatment modality
delivering radiation therapy at ultra-high dose rates. FLASH
therapy, involving ultra-high dose rates, and delivery in typically
less than one second, may be over 100 times faster compared to
conventional radiation therapy. The study, named FAST-01
(FeAsibility Study
of FLASH Radiotherapy for the Treatment of
Symptomatic Bone Metastases), will involve the investigational
use of Varian's ProBeam® particle accelerator
modified to offer this advanced non-invasive treatment option for
patients with cancer.
The concept of ultra-high dose rate radiation delivery has been
studied for many years. Dedicated research and development by
Varian has led the advancement to the clinical study stage.
Varian's efforts include investing in bench and preclinical
research and supporting the FlashForward™ Consortium, a
20-member group of institutions from around the world, which
includes experts in radiation oncology, translational
sciences, and medical physics.
"FLASH therapy could be one of the most significant
advancements in cancer treatment in decades," said Kolleen Kennedy, Chief Growth Officer and
President of Proton Therapy Solutions at Varian. "Our progress in
advancing FLASH therapy on the ProBeam platform is a testament
to Varian's investments in research that improve care for patients
with cancer and the importance of our collaboration with clinicians
around the world through the FlashForward Consortium."
The FAST-01 Feasibility Study, which is expected to enroll 10
patients with bone metastases, will evaluate clinical workflow
feasibility, treatment-related side effects and efficacy of
treatment as assessed by measuring trial participants' pain
relief.
"Preclinical research of FLASH therapy indicates using
ultra-high dose rates may be less toxic overall and enhance sparing
of adjacent healthy tissue," added Deepak "Dee" Khuntia, M.D.,
Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of
Varian. "The study is an important proof of concept,
especially in deep-seated and not just superficial tumors, that
adds to a growing body of data necessary to advance our
understanding of how FLASH therapy works."
Varian anticipates enrollment of the first patient in the
FAST-01 Feasibility Study by the end of 2020.
About Varian
At Varian, we envision a world without
fear of cancer. For more than 70 years, we have developed, built
and delivered innovative cancer care technologies and solutions for
our clinical partners around the globe to help them treat millions
of patients each year. With an Intelligent Cancer Care approach, we
are harnessing advanced technologies like artificial intelligence,
machine learning and data analytics to enhance cancer treatment and
expand access to care. Our 10,000 employees across 70 locations
keep the patient and our clinical partners at the center of our
thinking as we power new victories in cancer care. Because, for
cancer patients everywhere, their fight is our fight. For more
information, visit http://www.varian.com and follow
@VarianMedSys on Twitter.
Press Contacts
Aimee
Corso
Health+Commerce
+1 (310) 780-2661
aimee@healthandcommerce.com
Investor Relations Contact
Anshul Maheshwari
Vice President, Investor Relations
+1 (650) 424-5631
investors@varian.com
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SOURCE Varian