Tumor Tracking Technology Improves Prostate Cancer Care

A miniature electromagnetic transponder implant helps reduce radiation-related side effects by providing real-time tumor tracking.

The Calypso System provides precise, continuous information on the location of the tumor during external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), allowing physicians to deliver maximum radiation directly to the tumor, while sparing the surrounding healthy tissues and organs from exposure. The heart of the technology is the proprietary Beacon electromagnetic transponder, an 8.5-mm implant, which is placed in the prostate prior to external beam therapy. The Beacon transponders transmit safe radiofrequency waves to the Calypso System, providing guidance to the clinician on the position and movement of the prostate.


The four other components of the system include a four-dimensional (4D) console located in the treatment room that is used to position the patient for radiation therapy treatment. The 4D console also houses the 4D electromagnetic array, processor module, and power source; a 4D electromagnetic array contains the electromagnetic energy source that excites the Beacon transponders, and receivers that detect the Beacon transponder coordinates. The 4D array's position, relative to the room coordinate system, is determined by embedded infrared sensors that communicate with the infrared optical system.

The two other components are the 4D Tracking Station, and an optical system that consists of three infrared cameras mounted in the ceiling of the radiation therapy suite. The optical system works in tandem with the 4D array that is positioned over the patient during external beam therapy, and is calibrated to the isocenter of the linear accelerator. The Calypso System and Beacon transponders are products of Calypso Medical Technologies (Seattle, WA, USA) and have been approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for use in radiation therapy for the prostate and prostatic bed.

"For prostate cancer patients who make the decision to undergo radiation therapy, the Calypso System allows physicians to deliver the highest level of patient care,” said C. Garo Gholdoian, M.D., of Urology Nevada (Reno, USA). "By implanting Beacon transponders, I'm helping to ensure that radiation is delivered more accurately to the tumor and that surrounding healthy tissue is spared.”

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