"Accuray is leading the transformation of radiotherapy by partnering with our customers to develop technology and therapies that make a real difference in patients' lives. This study reinforces the unparalleled accuracy of a 4π-like robotic CyberKnife platform and shows its tremendous potential as a treatment for early-stage breast cancer," said Suzanne Winter, president at Accuray. "Secondary lung cancers most frequently occur two to three decades after radiation treatment for early-stage breast cancer, a significant issue for people with long life expectancies. The CyberKnife platform's ability to deliver radiotherapy with sub-millimeter accuracy and precision is critical to the continuing health and well-being of these patients."

About the Study
The purpose of the study was to determine the risk of developing radiation-induced secondary lung cancer (SLC) in patients diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer and whether different radiotherapy techniques could save lives. An analysis of the SEER database, the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program, from 1988 to 2012 identified 765,697 non-metastatic breast cancers of which 49.8% received radiotherapy and were included in the study. The number of SLCs was calculated using the BEIR model, measuring the health risks from exposure to low levels of ionizing radiation, modified with data from the SEER database. Breast cancer stage distribution and number of new cases were obtained from the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (NAACCR). Mean lung dose for various irradiation techniques was obtained from measurement or literature. Jean-Philippe Pignol, M.D., Ph.D., chief medical & technology officer at Accuray and corresponding author of the Frontiers in Oncology paper, was chair of radiation oncology at Erasmus MC in Rotterdam, The Netherlands and Dalhousie University in Halifax, Canada when the study was conducted.

About SEER
The SEER Program provides information on cancer statistics in an effort to reduce the cancer burden among the U.S. population. SEER is supported by the Surveillance Research Program (SRP) in NCI's Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences (DCCPS).


About Accuray
Accuray is committed to expanding the powerful potential of radiation therapy to improve as many lives as possible. We invent unique, market-changing solutions that are designed to deliver radiation treatments for even the most complex cases—while making commonly treatable cases even easier—to meet the full spectrum of patient needs. We are dedicated to continuous innovation in radiation therapy for oncology, neuro-radiosurgery, and beyond, as we partner with clinicians and administrators, empowering them to help patients get back to their lives, faster. Accuray is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, with facilities worldwide.


SOURCE Accuray Incorporated

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