Keeping on Target

Calypso Medical Technologies’ tumor-zapping technology gains a foothold in Europe.

By Steve Reno | September 2010 | FROM THE PRINT EDITION

Credit: Courtesy Calypso Medical Technologies

Calypso's technology allows for precision tumor-zapping.

Seattle-based biotech company Calypso Medical Technologies
Inc. is continuing to improve radiation oncology treatment for cancer patients.
The company demonstrated its new Dynamic Edge Gating Technology at the 52nd
annual meeting of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine in July.

One of the problems with radiation therapy is that any
movement by the patient, including internal movement of the tumor, may cause
the radiation to miss its intended target and hit adjacent healthy tissue.
Calypso’s technology, which it calls “GPS for the body,” uses implanted beacons
to keep track of the tumor. Previously, a physician had to intervene to stop
radiation delivery if healthy tissue was in danger. Now, the company’s Dynamic
Edge Gating Technology disables radiation delivery automatically if the tumor
moves outside a preset area.

Calypso raised $50 million from investors in
September 2009. The company is currently marketing the Calypso System in
Europe, with two systems recently installed in the U.K. and Germany. The
company is also exploring applications for the Calypso System in treating lung
cancer.