Varian公司的鼻咽癌短距离放射治疗涂药器面世

一种新型短距离放射治疗系统使得鼻咽癌治疗变得更加精确而且灵活方便。这套鼻咽涂药器是由Varian(Palo Alto, CA, USA)研制开发的，设计用于把局部放射治疗输送到上喉部区域。

Varian公司放射治疗部主任兼肿瘤系统部副总裁William Hyatt说：“这种涂药器能够准确而灵活地将较大放射剂量输送到鼻咽癌组织，而把附属关键结构比如脑干接触的放射剂量降低到了最小。”

这套装置适合用于鼻咽与口咽区域，与计算机断层扫描（CT）和核磁共振（MRI）兼容，将主要与外源性放射治疗联合使用。这套系统由下列部件组成：两套柔软而且透明的塑料耳朵、鼻子和咽喉“模块”探针以及两套非常柔软的导向导管，这种导管能够从鼻腔插入而不会损伤黏液粘膜层。同时还具有可以扩张的气囊，不管患者解剖结构变异情况如何都能够很容易的固定。

目前认为大剂量短距离放射治疗是鼻咽癌治疗的良好选择，但是以前一直受到缺乏合适治疗导管的困扰。Hyatt先生评论说：“这是同种类型产品中唯一的双导管装置，配备了可扩张气囊获得最佳固定效果。”
 
Brachytherapy Nasopharynx Applicator Set
 
A new brachytherapy system enables more accurate and flexible treatment of nasopharyngeal cancer. The Nasopharynx applicator set, developed by Varian Medical Systems (Palo Alto, CA, USA), has been designed for the delivery of localized radiation therapy in the upper throat region.

“This applicator offers an accurate and flexible way of achieving higher doses to nasopharyngeal tumors while delivering minimal dose to adjacent critical structures such as the brain stem,” said William Hyatt, vice president of Oncology Systems Operation and head of Varian’s BrachyTherapy business unit.

Suitable for use in the nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal regions, the set is computed tomography (CT)- and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-compatible, and will typically be utilized in combination with external beam radiotherapy. The system is made up of two soft and transparent plastic ear, nose, and throat mold probes with two very soft guidance tubes that can be fed through the nasal cavity without damaging the mucous membranes. It also has an expandable balloon for easy fixation regardless of variations in the patient’s anatomy.

High-dose-rate brachytherapy is a recognized treatment option for cancer of the nasopharynx, but has previously been hampered by the lack of a suitable treatment catheter. “It’s the only dual channel device of its type to incorporate an expandable balloon for optimal fixation and source placement,” remarked Mr. Hyatt.