Eckert & Ziegler BEBIG: German PREFERE Study Compares Treatment Options for Localised Prostate Cancer - Expected Impulse for LDR Brachytherapy
(Thomson Reuters ONE) -
Berlin, 01.02.2013 - One of the biggest clinical studies in the field of
oncology carried out by independent renowned scientific institutions, the
PREFERE-study, started in Germany in January 2013. It is the first prospective,
randomised study comparing the four established treatment options for prostate
cancer of low or early intermediate risk: Low Dose Rate-Brachytherapy (LDR
Brachytherapy), Radical Prostatectomy, External Radiotherapy, and Active
Surveillance. The purpose of this trendsetting study is not only to compare the
effectiveness of the different prostate cancer treatment methods, but also to
evaluate the treatment-related side effects and quality of life.
The LDR Brachytherapy method will profit from the PREFERE study in a multiple
way: As seed implantations in Germany make up only 3 percent of prostate cancer
treatments (compared to 60 percent covered by prostate surgeries) there is an
enormous potential for the further development of LDR Brachytherapy. Patients
diagnosed with localised prostate cancer will receive comprehensive information
about the four selected therapies, which will be presented in a standardised way
as equal treatment options. This will raise the brachytherapy awareness
considerably. Additionally, for patients receiving an ambulant seed implantation
within the study, the public health funds have guaranteed entire refund.
"The PREFERE study has a major impact on the future of brachytherapy in Germany.
It will contribute to a great extend to the official acceptance of LDR
Brachytherapy with seeds as a standard treatment form of the early and medium
stage localised prostate cancer", said Abel Luzuriaga, Managing Director of
Eckert & Ziegler BEBIG. "As the main seed provider in Germany, Eckert & Ziegler
BEBIG strongly acclaims the study and is looking forward to the first outcome in
five years. We expect that the PREFERE study will confirm the positive results
of the retrospective meta-analysis published by Peter Grimm in the British
Journal of Urology in 2012, according to which LDR Brachytherapy proves to be an
equivalent or superior treatment option for low and intermediate stage prostate
cancer".
The PREFERE study is planned to last till 2030, with the first partial analysis
published after five years. 7.600 patients will be recruited and randomised for
the preferred treatment methods. 1.000 experienced resident urologists and
radiation oncologists, as well as 90 control centers are participating in the
project. The study concept has been developed and supported by national and
international experts and renowned institutions such as German Cancer Aid
(Deutsche Krebshilfe), German Urology Society (Deutsche Gesellschaft für
Urologie) or German Cancer Society (Deutsche Krebsgesellschaft).
About Low Dose Rate Brachytherapy
LDR brachytherapy, called also permanent brachytherapy is the most conservative
treatment method for early stage prostate cancer. Its international popularity
has increased since the early 1990s and the technique is widely used, especially
in the developed countries. In this treatment, small radioactive Iodine-125
sources (with a length of 4.5 mm and a diameter of 0.8 mm), so called seeds, are
placed inside the prostate. Each seed emits a specific low dose of radiation to
its surrounding tissue inside the prostate. By placing the seeds homogeneously
throughout the prostate, the organ is covered with the designated dose required
to destroy the cancerous cells. Since irradiation is mainly localised around the
radioactive source, neighbouring tissues are spared unnecessary damage. This
makes the LDR brachytherapy a highly effective treatment option with a good
side-effect profile.
About Eckert & Ziegler BEBIG
Contributing to saving lives!
Eckert & Ziegler BEBIG is a European-based group active in the medical device
segment of the health care industry. Its core business is the production and
distribution of medical products for the treatment of cancer using
brachytherapy.
Eckert & Ziegler BEBIG is a brachytherapy leader in Europe. The company
headquarters are in Belgium, with a production facility in Germany and
subsidiaries throughout Europe, in India and Brazil. In addition, Eckert &
Ziegler BEBIG has a worldwide network of distributors and agents, to support the
international marketing and distribution of its product line. The company's
products and equipment are intended for use by oncologists, radiotherapists,
urologists, ophthalmologists and medical physicists.
Eckert & Ziegler BEBIG employs more than 150 people. The company has been listed
on the Euronext stock exchange since April 1997.
Press release: Eckert & Ziegler BEBIG PREFERE study:
http://hugin.info/134090/R/1674952/545527.pdf
This announcement is distributed by Thomson Reuters on behalf of
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(i) the releases contained herein are protected by copyright and
other applicable laws; and
(ii) they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and
originality of the information contained therein.
Source: Eckert & Ziegler BEBIG via Thomson Reuters ONE
[HUG#1674952]
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Datum: 01.02.2013 - 13:01 Uhr
Sprache: Deutsch
News-ID 225429
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