New BAT Machine Expected To Become Standard In Treating Prostate Cancer

PHILADELPHIA (November 9, 1998) -- Fox Chase Cancer Center is proud to introduce the BAT machine, an ultrasound positioning system used in the radiation treatment of prostate cancer. The BAT (B-mode Acquisition and Targeting) system is one of two currently being used in the world and only recently has received Food and Drug Administration approval. Fox Chase doctors expect BAT to become part of the standard treatment of prostate cancer.

Here's how BAT works: by combining an ultrasound probe and a 3-D positioning tool with an easy-to-use touch-screen-based treatment room interface, BAT can rapidly pinpoint target organs at the time of a radiation treatment. This dramatically reduces the targeting margins that have traditionally been used to compensate for errors in localization. As a result, the amount of healthy tissue exposed to radiation is reduced.

Patented and FDA-cleared by NOMOS Corporation of Sewickley, Pa., BAT underwent preliminary feasibility trials at Fox Chase Cancer Center. Dr. Gerald E. Hanks, chairman of radiation oncology at Fox Chase, said, "The development of the NOMOS ultrasound-based localization system holds great promise as a significant advancement in the treatment of solid cancers. The advantage of daily ultrasound tumor visualization is that it is a simple, non-invasive way to deliver more precise treatment. This offers the potential of improved cancer control rates by facilitating the safe delivery of higher radiation doses."

Fox Chase Cancer Center is one of 34 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the nation. The Center's activities include basic and clinical research, prevention, detection and treatment of cancer and community outreach programs.