Press
Releases
Cryotherapy
confirmed as a reimbursed treatment for localized
prostate cancer by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas
New York (July 16, 2003) — As the leader in
minimally invasive prostate cancer treatment, ONCURA
supports the increased awareness and acceptance of
cryotherapy for treating localized prostate cancer.
Cryotherapy is reimbursed by Medicare as both a primary
treatment, as well as for those patients who fail
primary radiation therapy. The recent decision by
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas to offer coverage
for cryotherapy further demonstrates the acceptance
of this treatment option.
ONCURA has a unique ability to offer physicians treating
localized prostate cancer the leading minimally invasive
treatment options; brachytherapy for patients with early
stage disease and cryotherapy for those with more advanced
disease. The combination of the leading products in
these two segments positions ONCURA as a provider of
minimally invasive options across the spectrum of prostate
cancer. Cryotherapy is also one of the few options available
to men with recurrent prostate cancer.
“Our goal is to support patient access to minimally
invasive treatment options for prostate cancer,”
said James McGlone, President and CEO, ONCURA. “Blue
Cross Blue Shield of Texas has clearly demonstrated
a similar commitment to the prostate cancer patients
of Texas.”
In announcing their decision Blue Cross Blue Shield
of Texas commented on the development of clinical data
supporting cryotherapy, and reported benefits that include
ablation of prostatic cancers without radical procedures,
less blood loss, decreased hospital stays, reduced health
care costs and minimally associated morbidity.
“ONCURA will continue to support the development
of clinical data for both brachytherapy and cryotherapy,”
said James McGlone. “In addition, our knowledge
of disease management in prostate cancer will allow
us to explore opportunities across the broad spectrum
of prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment.”
ONCURA was recently created through the merger of Amersham’s
(LSE, NYSE, OSE: AHM) brachytherapy business with Galil
Medical Ltd’s urology business. Headquartered
in the United States, ONCURA will operate as an independent
business of Amersham plc, with Galil holding a minority
position of 25 percent. The newly incorporated company
will have a major global presence in the treatment of
prostate cancer, combining the market leadership of
Amersham in brachytherapy with the rapidly growing area
of cyrotherapy.
CONTACT: Andrew Bright
(609) 514 6531
andrew.bright@oncura.com
Kristie Kuhl
(212) 508-9642
kkuhl@makovsky.com
