PHILADELPHIA, March 14 /PRNewswire/ -- ONCURA, a global leader in the minimally invasive management of prostate cancer, is pleased to announce that Dr. Aaron Katz (Associate Professor of Clinical Urology, Columbia Medical Center, New York), recently completed his 50th prostate cancer case utilizing their minimally invasive 17-gauge IceRods.
“Since the introduction of ONCURA’s 17-gauge IceRod(TM) needles last September I’ve been impressed with their ability to provide highly controllable and effective cryotherapy,” said Dr Katz. He added, “My decision to adopt ONCURA’s IceRods has been vindicated by the excellent results I’ve seen to date; clinical outcomes remain excellent, and the overall side effects are extremely low.”
Dr. Katz is a pioneer in the use of cryotherapy for the treatment of prostate cancer; since 1997 he’s treated over 400 patients and has over 50 peer-reviewed publications describing outstanding cure rates in respected journals such as the Journal of Urology, Contemporary Urology, Molecular Urology, British Journal of Urology, Cancer, and Cancer Research. Dr. Katz is noted for his experience in using cryotherapy as an option for patients who have previously received radiation therapy but have unfortunately seen their cancer return. His experience with this group of patients has made him a renowned authority, treating patients from around the world. Dr. Katz is also called upon by physicians from the US and Europe to train them in the use of cryotherapy.
“The therapeutic properties of the 17-gauge IceRod are exactly what I needed to enhance the clinical approach I’ve developed when treating prostate cancer with cryotherapy,” said Dr. Katz. He added, “The minimally invasive approach of a 17-gauge needle, especially the IceRod, is a true advance in the technology of cryotherapy and has had a positive impact on patient care.”
“Working with Dr. Katz has been an excellent education,” said James McGlone, CEO and President of ONCURA. He added, “Not only have we been able to learn so much about the clinical application of cryotherapy, we’ve seen a world leader validate our minimally invasive approach to urological disease management.”
Dr. Katz is a member of the American Urological Association, the Society of University Urologists, Society of Urologic Oncologists and the Southwest Oncology Group. Over the course of his career, Dr. Katz has won numerous awards and grants, including one from the NIH to study the molecular staging of prostate cancer, as well as one from CaPCure for the investigation of an antibody to prevent the recurrence of prostate cancer. Dr. Katz can be contacted via email at aek4@columbia.edu.
ONCURA was created through the merger of Amersham plc’s brachytherapy business and Galil Medical Ltd.'s urology business. Galil is a subsidiary of Elron (ELRN). Headquartered in the United States, ONCURA operates as an independent business, with a major presence in the treatment of prostate cancer. ONCURA’s International business is operated from its UK subsidiary. On April 8, 2004, General Electric (GE) completed its previously announced acquisition of Amersham.
ONCURA
CONTACT: Andrew Bright, ONCURA, +1-484-530-3922,andrew.bright@oncura.com
Web site: http://www.oncura.com/