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Pancreas Cancer News and Archives | |
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For educational purposes only; not to be relied upon. Please read Pancreatica Disclaimer | |
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BICO Subsidiary ViaCirq Announces
Results of Long-Term Quality of Life Study Using Intraperitoneal
Hyperthermia ViaCirq, a subsidiary of BICO, Inc. has sponsored the first and only long- term Quality of Life study with Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center involving patients who have survived greater than three years following intraperitoneal hyperthermia (IPH), in conjunction with cytoreductive surgery and chemotherapy. Seventeen patients, who have survived three to eight years postoperatively, (primary tumor sites were cancer of the appendix, 10; large intestine, 5; ovarian, 1; and peritoneum 1) participated in the long-term Quality of Life study. These patients were treated by Brian Loggie, M.D., a surgical oncologist, in a National Cancer Institute supported study on the efficacy of cytoreductive surgery plus intraperitoneal hyperthermic chemotherapy. The Quality of Life measures included the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy and its subscales measuring physical, social/family, emotional and functional well-being. Ten patients (62.5%) described their health as excellent/very good. The results of this long-term Quality of Life study have been accepted for presentation at the 55th Annual Society of Surgical Oncology Cancer Symposium in March of 2002. Cancer that has spread to the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneal carcinomatosis) is a result of advanced stages of gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, appendiceal cancer, ovarian cancer and pancreatic cancer. Medical studies further indicate this form of cancer is associated with poor prognosis and dismal quality of life. Most clinicians do not talk of curative options for these patients, but rather comfort and palliation of symptoms. This unique procedure, pioneered at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center and now offered as a standard-of-care for patients with this advanced cancer, combines cytoreductive surgery, chemotherapy and intraperitoneal hyperthermia, which has yielded positive survival and quality of life outcomes for patients with limited options. ViaCirq, Inc., the developer and marketer of the ThermoChem HT System, which delivers intraperitoneal hyperthermia, has standardized the procedure, enabling other medical institutions to provide this potentially life-extending treatment. The ThermoChem HT System is currently being used by 13 medical centers nationwide. Dr. Richard McQuellon, Director of Psychosocial Oncology and Associate professor at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine led the study team. He reported that, "While quality of life is important, survival is precious. We know from these long-term survivors that a life of quality can be recovered relatively quickly following IPHC treatment and that extended survival is possible. These survivors are pioneers." BICO, Inc. has its corporate offices in Pittsburgh and is involved in the development and manufacture of biomedical devices and environmental solutions. BICO's subsidiary, ViaCirq, Inc., also located in Pittsburgh, PA, is committed to developing, manufacturing and marketing leading-edge hyperthermia products and services of the highest quality and value. This press release contains statements of a forward looking nature. Shareholders and potential investors are cautioned that such statements are predictions and actual events or results may vary significantly. Press Release
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