The chemotherapy is directed near the hard-to-access tumor, while reducing systemic toxicity. Screenshot.
Vermont Business Magazine The University of Vermont Cancer Center is the first in Vermont to begin using a revolutionary new treatment called transarterial microperfusion (TAMP) for pancreatic cancer. This is is one of the most difficult cancers to treat and the third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths.
The innovative treatment (video) is designed to deliver therapy directly to the tumor site while minimizing exposure to the rest of the body – helping patients live longer while reducing the debilitating side effects of chemotherapy that dramatically impact quality of life.
The company behind the innovative medical device now being used at UVM Cancer Center is RenovoRx.
Renovo RX is focused on fighting difficult-to-access cancers by developing novel, targeted oncology therapies based on a local drug delivery platform.
- Technology Overview
- The proprietary technology, known as the transarterial microperfusion (TAMP) therapy platform, utilizes the FDA-cleared Renovo Cath delivery system.
- This system is indicated for use in procedures including arteriography, pre-operative occlusion, and chemotherapeutic drug infusion.
- TAMP is being investigated for the intraarterial delivery of gemcitabine to target solid tumors, such as pancreatic cancer.
- Addressing Treatment Challenges
- Systemic or intravenous (IV) chemotherapy, the standard of care for most cancers, is often limited in its effectiveness and carries the risk of debilitating long-term side effects.
- While systemic IV treatment is effective for highly vascularized tumors, many tumors lack adequate blood vessels.
- In cases with poor blood flow, only a small amount of chemotherapy reaches the tumor site, limiting the success of the treatment.
- The TAMP Delivery Approach. The TAMP procedure is designed for the targeted delivery of chemotherapy via the peripheral vascular system through the following process:
- The Renovo Cath delivery system is inserted through a small incision in the leg and placed into an artery adjacent to the tumor.
- Physicians use the system’s two occlusion balloons to isolate the specific anatomy, allowing them to microperfuse targeted tumor tissue with chemotherapy.
- This method enables the delivery of chemotherapy across the arterial wall near the tumor site.
- By bathing the target tumor directly, this approach potentially minimizes the toxicities associated with systemic IV therapy.
- Clinical Evidence and Trials
- Based on observational registry studies and prior clinical research, the intraarterial delivery of chemotherapy via TAMP has reduced tolerability issues and presented early signals of improved patient survival.
- The "TIGeR-PaC" clinical trial is currently enrolling patients with locally advanced, unresectable pancreatic cancer.
Source: Mountain View, CA RenovoRx
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