Method

Tumour treatment personalised in real-time

Our treatment system consists of a unique combination of laser equipment and the IDOSE® software. The treatment system delivers laser light to the tumour using optical fibers. The treatment plan, including the optical fiber positions, is calculated by our patented dose planning platform IDOSE® using a 3D model of the treatment volume. The software calculates and controls the light dose continuously throughout the treatment. The same fibers are used for light delivery and measurements of optical parameters in the tissue for calculation of the light dose for each patient. Optimal light dose is crucial, as overexposure can result in damage to healthy tissue, while underexposure leads to incomplete treatment.


Before the system can be commercialised, the treatment with SpectraCure’s system must be proven to be effective, safe, and provide the intended clinical outcome. To demonstrate this, a clinical study is conducted.

“The SpectraCure IDOSE® system is an exciting new approach for estimating the extent of necrosis during PDT, based on real time measurements of light distribution and photobleaching in the area under treatment”

Stephen G Bown, MD (Cambridge), AM (Harvard), DSc (Hon Lucknow), FRCP Emeritus Prof of Laser Medicine & Surgery, Division of Surgery & Interventional Science

Treatment method

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a treatment that makes the tissue light-sensitive using a medication. Thereafter, the medication is activated by light of the optimal wavelength, and the resulting reaction kills the cancer cells. PDT is a well-established treatment method that is used for treatment of certain types of skin tumours.


Interstitial PDT is a further development of traditional PDT where the laser light is directly administrated into the tumour through optical fibers.

Our approach is unique as our proprietary system utilises the same optical fibers for both treatment and monitoring of the light dose. This allows the IDOSE® software to continuously calculate and regulate the laser light dose during the treatment, ensuring an optimal and individualised treatment with maximal effect.

How is the treatment administered?
  • The treatment is planned using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images to determine the tumour´s location and size.
  • The patient is anesthetised and the medication is given intravenously.
  • A transrectal ultrasound probe is used to visualise the prostate during the treatment.
  • Using ultrasound guidance, the physician places the required number of optical fibers depending on the tumour size. Insertion via the perineum.
  • SpectraCure’s PDT system delivers the calculated laser light dose.
  • The medication is activated, and the tumour cells are eliminated.
The product – Q-PRO®

SpectraCure’s treatment method, interstitial PDT, is performed with our treatment system consisting of:

  • a laser device, Q-PRO®, which delivers laser light;
    optical fibers that both transfer light and perform measurements;
  • the IDOSE® software platform that calculates the laser light dose and optical fiber positions.

Both the needles and optical fibers are disposable items supplied in a sterile treatment package.


SpectraCure’s PDT system with the IDOSE® software is a completely new medical device for treatment, planning, and laser light delivery. The treatment is local and adapted to each patient’s tumour.

Minimally invasive surgery

A focal procedure, no open surgery.

Cost-effective
Requires limited resources compared to open surgery.
No life-long treatment
The treatment is carried out in one session.

Patents

The Q-PRO® treatment system with IDOSE® is covered by several patents. The patent portfolio consists of 12 patents in 8 families. The basic patents relating to the operation of our laser system are approved in Europe, the USA, China, and, Japan, among other countries.
 
Four patent families concern the protection of the technical solutions that make the system use the same optical fibers for measurement and treatment. One patent family relates to protecting a disposable article for sterile optical fibers. Three patent families relate to different methods for performing dose recalculation during ongoing treatment, i.e., the IDOSE® technology.