Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium - IBA (Ion Beam Applications S.A.) has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its Pencil Beam Scanning (PBS) treatment modality for proton therapy, a delivery method that allows for precise dose delivery by its proton therapy system.

The Pencil Beam Scanning technology was developed by IBA in close collaboration with the staff of Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) at the Francis H. Burr Proton Therapy Center in Boston. The PBS delivery method is characterized by the use of a proton beam that is actively scanned throughout the target tumor volume. During a PBS treatment, the transverse beam position, longitudinal beam position (range) and dose are precisely controlled and adjusted to deliver the prescribed dose in the target. Compared to conventional passive scattering techniques used to treat cancer with protons, PBS provides improved 3-dimensional conformity to the target. This can allow for improved sparing of organs at risk and healthy tissues. IBA is the first company with a cyclotron-based proton therapy system to receive approval from the FDA for Pencil Beam Scanning.

"This approval is a significant step forward in ensuring that proton therapy continues to advance and employ the most innovative and effective treatment modes available", said Pierre Mottet, IBA's Chief Executive Officer. "Proton therapy professionals and their patients will now be able to experience firsthand the myriad therapeutic benefits of employing Pencil Beam Scanning technology to combat cancer".

"We are pleased to be among the first Hospital based particle therapy facilities to add Pencil Beam Scanning to our complement of delivery modalities", said Jay Flanz, Ph.D., Technical Director of the Francis H. Burr Proton Therapy Center. The PBS delivery method is now one of the four treatment methods incorporated in the IBA Universal Nozzle. Besides PBS treatment method, the IBA Universal Nozzle provides uniform scanning, double and single scattering delivery methods, offering to the proton therapy practitioners the flexibility to easily select the preferred beam delivery method. This flexibility in choosing treatment modes presents an ideal solution for facilities that want to maximize their capabilities, with the goal of increased patient throughput. IBA currently is seeking approvals to market PBS in other countries around the world.

ABOUT IBA
IBA develops and markets leading edge technologies, pharmaceuticals and tailor-made solutions for healthcare with a focus on cancer diagnosis and therapy. Leveraging on its scientific expertise, IBA is also active in the field of industrial sterilization and ionization. Listed on the pan-European stock exchange EURONEXT, IBA is included in the BelMid Index. http://www.iba-worldwide.com

Read DOTmed News' exclusive report on proton therapy:
https://www.dotmed.com/news/story/5375/

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