Project description
A balloon for safer radiation treatment of the prostate
Radiation therapy is the most common treatment for prostate cancer. However, rectal injury by radiation constitutes a prevalent complication due to the proximity of the rectum to the prostate. Funded by the European Innovation Council, the ProSpace project introduces an implantable, biodegradable balloon that provides a defined distance between the prostate and rectum and protects the latter from high-dose radiation exposure. The balloon has a unique design and shape and can be introduced under ultrasound guidance through a minimally invasive procedure. It is visible under all imaging modalities (ultrasound, CT, MRI) and naturally biodegrades over time. This device is expected to make radiation therapy safer and more cost-effective for patients with prostate cancer.
Objective
Prostate is the 2nd leading cancer in men in the world, with more than 1.4 million men diagnosed every year globally. ~50% of men will be treated with radiation treatment. Radiation is a highly effective treatment; however, it has significant complications, mainly injuring the rectal tissue, approximate to the prostate treatment area. Up to 35% of the patients will experience rectal toxicity side effects such as bleeding, urinary, bowl and erectile dysfunction, damaging severely patient’s quality of life. There is a growing need for a solution that protects the rectum from the radiation field.
Our soluton ‘ProSpace’ is a biodegradable medical grade copolymer (70:30 Poly L-Lactide-co-ε-Caprolactone) balloon spacer deployed in the prostate-rectum interspace. It creates a 1.8cm symmetric distance between the prostate & rectum, allowing physicians to radiate prostate tumours & sparing healthy rectal tissue.
Fields of science
Not validated
Not validated
Keywords
Programme(s)
- HORIZON.3.1 - The European Innovation Council (EIC) Main Programme
Funding Scheme
HORIZON-EIC-ACC-BF - HORIZON EIC Accelerator Blended FinanceCoordinator
4486200 TZUR YIGAL
Israel
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.