Oncosil
OncoSil™ is a single-use brachytherapy (internal radiation) device used to deliver a pre-determined dose of beta radiation directly into cancerous tissue. It is used in combination with chemotherapy1.
Brachytherapy (also known as internal radiation therapy) is a commonly used form of radiotherapy where a sealed radiation source is placed directly into or adjacent to the site of a cancerous tumour. Brachytherapy targets tumours more precisely than external beam radiotherapy and delivers higher doses of radiation, while reducing the radiation exposure in the surrounding healthy tissue.2
Who is OncoSil™ suitable for?
OncoSil™ can be used to treat patients with locally advanced unresectable pancreatic cancer (LAPC).
Locally advanced pancreatic cancer remains confined to the pancreas and nearby structures. Locally advanced pancreatic cancer may be unresectable (this means it is unable to be removed completely with surgery) if the tumour is too large or too close to nearby blood vessels to be removed safely.3-5
What is the aim of the treatment?
The aim of the treatment with OncoSil™ is to reduce the tumour size by destroying the cancerous tissue. For some patients this may lead them to become eligible for surgical removal of the tumour.
What is involved in the OncoSil™ implantation procedure?
A procedure called endoscopic ultrasound will be used to implant the OncoSil™ device.Endoscopic ultrasound is a standard procedure performed by a trained doctor. An endoscopic ultrasound involves a long flexible, fibre optic tube being passed through the mouth, down the oesophagus (food tube or gullet) close to the pancreas while the patient is sedated. This allows the doctor to view the pancreas and enables them to implant the OncoSil™ via a fine needle directly into the tumour.
The procedure time may vary but is likely to take between 30 and 60 minutes.Following implantation, the patient will be observed for a minimum of four hours. Subject to the opinion of the treating doctor, the patient may be discharged the same day or an overnight stay may be required.
The healthcare team will provide the patient with information and guidance concerning their aftercare.
Side effects with OncoSil™
As with all medical treatments, treatment using the OncoSil™ device, the implantation procedure and the associated chemotherapy have side effects and associated risks. Information on this is provided by treating doctors.
OncoSil™ Mode of Action
References:
1. OncoSil™ is intended for intratumoural implantation into a pancreatic tumour via injection under endoscopic ultrasound guidance. OncoSil™ is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced unresectable pancreatic cancer, in combination with gemcitabine based chemotherapy.
2. Skowronek J. J Contemp Brachytherapy 2017; 9: 581-589
3. OncoSil™ System instructions for use
4. Balaban EP et al. J Clin Oncol. 2016; 34: 2654–2668.
5. Ducreux M et al. Ann Oncol. 2015; 26 Suppl 5: v56–68.
