Developing a feasibility study for the future commercialization of BranchyDOSE – an innovative accurate and simple brachytherapy measurements tool

Project Information

BrachyDOSE

Grant agreement ID: 775025

DOI

10.3030/775025

Project closed

EC signature date 15 May 2017

Start date 1 June 2017

End date 30 November 2017

Funded under

• INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Leadership in enabling and industrial technologies – Nanotechnologies

Total cost

€ 71 429,00

EU contribution

€ 50 000,00

Coordinated by

MB SESI PARTNERIAI
Lithuania

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - BrachyDOSE (Developing a feasibility study for the future commercialization of BranchyDOSE – an innovative accurate and simple brachytherapy measurements tool)

Reporting period: 2017-06-01 to 2017-11-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Cancer is a key public health concern and a tremendous burden on European societies and economies. The number of new cases is expected to rise by about 70% over the next 2 decades and the need to combat the disease is highlighted in both national and European action strategies. Brachytherapy, one of the most common cancer treatment methods, represents the internal radiation therapy method, commonly used as an effective treatment for cervical, prostate, breast, skin cancer and tumors by placing radioactive sources directly into or next to the area requiring treatment. Miscalculation and mistakes in dose calculation algorithms cause inaccuracy in treatment plan, which results in a continuously flawed treatment. This can induce insufficient amount of radiation, over radiation, secondary cancer and radiation burns. In order to increase the effectiveness and quality of cancer treatment in brachytherapy procedures, BarchyDOSE, treatment quality control systems was developed. BarchyDOSE will enable technicians to adjust the treatment plan. The application of BrachyDOSE, effective quality control system will help to prevent secondary illnesses caused by primary treatment, which costs billions of euros for clinics and insurance institution each year. Overall objectives: to develop and elaborate feasibility study for BrachyDOSE commercialization that would include: a thorough analysis of HDR brachytherapy market and user needs, and a business plan with an extensive financial, pricing, and IPR strategy. These results would help to ensure that a fully operational model of BrachyDOSE is tailored for the target user needs and will guarantee its successful commercialization.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

During the project market research and validation was performed, freedom to operate analysis was done and IPR strategy was updated. Two business models were discusses including SWOT and potential competitors. Essential business plan that will be used as a roadmap for commercialization of BrachyDOSE dosimetry system was develop an elaborated. The new contacts was established and future partners, and suppliers were identified in Medica 2017 trade fair. BrachyDOSE was introduced for project partners and potential buyers in international conferences in Norway and Lithuania.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

During the period of the project the two BrachyDOSE dosimetry system parts were improved. The new chemical formulation of dosimeter were tested. These tests helped to improve the materials sensibility to ionizing radiation used for medical procedures. New technical solutions was applied to make a dosimeter reader more effective and reliable. These improvements were made with the consultancy of medical physicists and oncology doctors. Until the end of the whole project we expect to construct the dosimetry system, which will be reliable and easy to use during brachytherapy procedures.

Short sytem distription