Technology
and Products
A Novel Technology: The Next Generation of Radio-Therapy
Exelar's device operates by inducing strong magnetic fields in the target region that, in turn, concentrate the recoiling electrons produced by photon beams. The resulting profile of therapeutic dose is somewhat similar to that produced by the Bragg Effect seen in high energy proton beams although the system costs are an order-of-magnitude lower.
The effects our device produces can be directed to a variety of places (and depths) by adjusting the position of the magnet. The data shows that there is over 40% dose enhancement in soft tissue such as muscle is observed for a 24MV x-ray beam when the beam axis is 2cm away and parallel to the magnet surface. In lung phantoms, 25% dose enhancements are seen at 7cm away from the prototype magnet. Ten percent enhancements can be very important clinically. Published articles on our technique have already appeared in various peer-reviewed professional journals including The International Journal of Cancer and Physics in Medicine and Biology. Additional papers are currently in preparation.
Exelar holds a broad and basic patent on its technology (US Patent 5,974,112 (filed 18 Nov.1998, issued 26 October 1999)). Foreign versions of the US case will issue shortly. In the US case, apparatus, means & function and method claims were allowed on the first Patent Office action with no relevant prior art cited. Additional patents are pending.
