Siemens and GSI signed a contract for a new method irradiating tumors that also provides a larger patient cohort with access to this method.
Cancer – the diagnosis for more than 300 000 people per year in Germany. This number translates into the morbidity rate of every fourth German succumbing to the second largest cause of death. GSI (a world-renowned facility for heavy ion research) and Siemens Medical Solutions signed a partnership contract in Darmstadt, Germany, for a new radiation therapy by expanding it into clinical use. This new method, known as particle therapy with heavy ions, increases the chances of a cure for a number of malignant tumors as confirmed by GSI studies (over 90% for e.g. chondrosarcoma). Siemens will handle the production and marketing of the radiation therapy systems based on the therapy method developed by GSI. Particle therapy is characterized by both especially high precision and efficiency. Additionally, it provides the advantages of treating tumors that are either very difficult to treat or not at all due to their location or vicinity to organs at risk – a significant milestone in cancer therapy.
Particle therapy with heavy ions is a highly precise and biologically effective therapy. Using an accelerator, heavy ions, accelerated to a very high speed level, are shot into the tumor where they destroy the tumor cells. Surrounding tissue is spared since the tumor can be irradiated in a highly localized manner with a control and range accurate to the millimeter. Additionally, this type of treatment is possible on an outpatient basis. To date no other noteworthy side effects than a slight reddening of the skin have been observed. “The results exceeded our expectations, since we were able to observe a very quick as well as lasting tumor reaction in these patients. We would like to use this type of irradiation for other tumors as well as for a larger patient cohort“, said Dr. Dr. Jürgen Debus, Director of Physicians at the Clinical Radiology in Heidelberg, Germany.
The cooperation between GSI and Siemens is a decisive step forward in the ambitious project of particle therapy with heavy ions. Through the transfer and exchange of knowledge between research facilities and industry, this new and effective method for tumor treatment will be made available to a large number of patients. This therapy has been recognized as curative for a number of indications. “It is therefore important to be able to run clinical trials for additional types of tumors", explained Dr. Walter F. Henning, Director of Sciences at GSI. "Treatment with heavy ions constitutes a therapeutic approach with a highly promising future, an approach we would like to incorporate into our product spectrum as an overall solution provider for diagnosis and therapy. This would certainly allow us to expand our position in oncology“, explained Dr. Hermann Requardt, member of the Executive Board of Siemens Medical Solutions.
Funded by the “Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung” (Ministry for Education and Research) and the State of Hessen, Germany, GSI developed the heavy-ion therapy together with the “Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum” (German Cancer Research Center), the University Clinic of Heidelberg, Germany, and the Research Center Rossendorf, Germany. Since 1997, approximately 200 patients participating in a clinical study were successfully treated with this method by GSI. "Heavy ion therapy represents a quantum leap in the development of radiation therapy: ion beams are the new scalpel in the hands of the physician that can be applied with exceptional sharpness and precision. Heavy ion therapy has a very good chance of developing into a bloodless X-ray surgery including every positive consequence for the patient: higher curative rates, shorter treatment times, and less side effects. Our previous clinical study fully confirms this trend“, added Professor Gerhard Kraft, head of the biophysics department at GSI. “In the near future this development will be available for more patients through the series production of ion therapy systems by Siemens.“
The Gesellschaft für Schwerionenforschung (GSI) in Darmstadt is a research center for basic research funded by the Federal Government of Germany and the State of Hesse. CSI’s approximately 850 employees are involved in constructing and operating accelerators as well as in research with heavy ions. Every year, more than 1,000 scientists are visiting CSI. The research center provides them with access to their research installations depending on the visitors area of interest. CSI is equipped with an outstanding, one-of-kind accelerator for beams of ions. The research program of GSI includes a broad spectrum ranging from nuclear physics to plasma physics and matter to tumor therapy. The most well-know results are the discovery of six new chemical elements with atomic numbers 107-112 and the development of a new tumor therapy with beams of ions. These and numerous other scientific results provide GSI with a leading international position in the research of beams of ions. By 2012, CSI plans to have a new international accelerator facility for research with ions and antiprotons. Basic, previously unsolved questions beginning with matter and the development of the universe will be addressed. For additional information, go to: www.gsi.de
Siemens Medical Solutions is one of the largest suppliers to the healthcare industry in the world. The company is known for bringing together innovative medical technologies, healthcare information systems, management consulting, and support services, to help customers achieve tangible, sustainable, clinical and financial outcomes. From imaging systems for diagnosis, to therapy equipment for treatment, to patient monitors to hearing instruments and beyond, Siemens innovations contribute to the health and well-being of people across the globe, while improving operational efficiencies and optimizing workflow in hospitals, clinics, home health agencies, and doctors' offices. Employing approximately 31,000 people worldwide and operating in more than 120 countries, Siemens Medical Solutions reported sales of 7.6 billion EUR, orders of 8.4 billion EUR and group profit of 1 billion EUR for fiscal 2002.
