Varian Medical Systems ink distribution pact with Proxima Therapeutics

Varian Medical Systems will distribute Proxima Therapeutics Inc.'s MammoSite device for treating breast cancer with localized high-dose-rate brachytherapy in Europe under a new agreement.

The pact replaces Proxima's existing European distribution agreements and makes available the technology to European cancer treatment centers through Varian Medical Systems' distribution channels.

MammoSite is one of several techniques - along with traditional HDR brachytherapy, whole breast external beam radiation and intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) - that Varian supports for delivering post-lumpectomy radiation.

Accelerated partial breast brachytherapy following lumpectomy is designed to deliver over a period of five days radiation treatment directly to the tissue immediately surrounding a removed tumor - where cancer is most likely to recur - while minimizing the exposure of healthy tissues.

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