Zacks_Analysts' Blog : MD Anderson Orders IsoRay Cs-131 - Analyst Blog

Medical isotope maker IsoRay Inc (ISR) reported that MD Anderson Cancer Center has placed orders for its proprietary Cesium-131 (Cs-131) internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy) seeds for use in prostate cancer study.

The MD Anderson Cancer Center is among the original three comprehensive cancer centers in the U.S. set up by the National Cancer Act of 1971. The esteemed cancer treatment and research center is evaluating brachytherapy's potential in controlling intermediate risk prostate cancer, an early stage prostate cancer which tends to recur following standard therapies (including surgery and radiation therapy). 

Prostate cancer is the second most prevalent cancer (after skin cancer) among American men and the second-leading cause (after lung cancer) of cancer-related death. High level of PSA (a protein produced in the prostate) generally indicate the presence of this disease. More than 30,000 people succumb to prostate cancer annually in the U.S.

The study, conducted by the MD Anderson Cancer Center, will compare Cesium-131 to the other, already used brachytherapy isotopes and assess its effectiveness in managing intermediate risk prostate cancer. The trial will also investigate PSA response.

Cesium-131 has greater average energy than the other commonly used isotopes. Studies conducted by other cancer centers have shown the potential to deliver the required radiation dose across the entire prostate gland while limiting damage to surrounding tissues and body structures.

IsoRay develops and markets isotope-based medical products and devices for the treatment of cancer and other malignant diseases. It competes with Theragenics (TGX) and C.R. Bard (BCR), among others.

The company booked 92% of its revenues for fiscal 2011 from the sales of Cesium-131 seeds for prostate cancer. IsoRay is optimistic that expanded market traction of Cesium-131 coupled with ongoing clinical developments and new product launches would spur growth moving forward.