As part of the DIRECT Study, AngioDynamics launched AngioDIRECT.com to facilitate the enrollment of participants. The online platform provides patients and their families with information about pancreatic cancer and details about the study. It also features a physician locator to help prospective participants and referring healthcare professionals identify clinical study locations.
There are approximately 57,000 new cases and 46,000 estimated deaths from pancreatic cancer in the United States annually1. Total deaths due to pancreatic cancer are projected to increase dramatically to become the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths before 20302. The mortality rate is high due to the aggressive nature of the disease and lack of early warning signs, and less than 20 percent of patients are candidates for surgical resection at time of diagnosis3. Approximately 35 to 40 percent of patients will present with Stage III and 45 to 55 percent with metastatic disease3. Regardless of the stage of pancreatic cancer, it is one of the least survivable cancers, and survival rates have not improved substantially for more than forty years3. For all stages combined, the five-year relative survival rate is 8 percent and, for those with advanced disease at the time of diagnosis, the five-year survival rate remains at 3 percent3.
About AngioDynamics, Inc.
AngioDynamics, Inc. is a leading provider of innovative, minimally invasive medical devices used by professional healthcare providers for vascular access, peripheral vascular disease, and oncology. AngioDynamics’ diverse product lines include market-leading ablation systems, fluid management systems, vascular access products, angiographic products and accessories, drainage products, thrombolytic products and venous products.
About the NanoKnife System
The NanoKnife System has received 510(k) clearance from the Food and Drug Administration for the surgical ablation of soft tissue. The NanoKnife Ablation System utilizes low energy direct current electrical pulses to permanently open pores in target cell membranes. These permanent pores, or nano-scale defects, in the cell membranes result in cell death. The treated tissue is then removed by the body's natural processes in a matter of weeks, mimicking natural cell death. Unlike other ablation technologies, the NanoKnife Ablation System does not achieve tissue ablation using thermal energy.
The NanoKnife Ablation System consists of two major components: a Low Energy Direct Current, or LEDC Generator and needle-like electrode probes. Up to six (6) electrode probes can be placed into or around the targeted soft tissue. Once the probes are in place, the user enters the appropriate parameters for voltage, number of pulses, interval between pulses, and the pulse length into the generator user interface. The generator then delivers a series of short electric pulses between each electrode probe. The energy delivery is hyperechoic and can be monitored under real-time ultrasound.
Back to HCB News
