Dear Colleagues,
In February 2013 “Journal of Contemporary Brachytherapy” was accepted for indexation in PubMed/PubMedCentral what, I think, is a big step forward. In 2013 we plan to start our efforts in order to obtain indexation in, so called, Philadelphia list. And to receive IF, of course what is possible for the first time in 2013. I believe that with the great support of members of the Editorial Board and our new readers, the coming 2013 will bring next steps in developing the Journal. After 4 years of editorial work I sincerely thank all the Co-Editors and members of the Editorial Board for their help in editing the Journal. I also thank all reviewers for persistent reviewing articles. We cordially welcome Professor Vratislav Strnad from Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Erlangen, Germany as a new member of the Editorial Board and Professor Mark J. Rivard from Department of Radiation Oncology, Tufts University School of Medicine Boston, USA as a new Co-Editor.
In the past three months, there were some information published in the press and web services of general interest about brachytherapy world. A lot of interesting information can be found in a new research report on global brachytherapy devices market 2012-2016 published by Market Research Reports. TechNavio’s analysts forecast the Global Brachytherapy Devices market to grow at a CAGR of 2.85 percent over the period 2012-2016. One of the key factors contributing to this market growth is a significant increase in the number of cancer patients worldwide. The Global Brachytherapy Devices market has also been witnessing a significant increase in the number of acquisitions. However, alternatives for a cancer treatment could pose a challenge to the growth of this market. TechNavio’s report, the Global Brachytherapy Devices Market 2012-2016, has been prepared based on an in-depth analysis of the market with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the Americas, and the EMEA and APAC regions; it also covers the Global Brachytherapy Devices market landscape and its growth prospects in the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market. The key vendors dominating this market space are C.R. Bard Inc., Eckert and Ziegler BEBIG S.A., Elekta AB, GE Healthcare Ltd., Theragenics Corp., and Varian Medical Systems Inc. The other vendors mentioned in the report are Boston Scientific Corp., CONMED Corp., Olympus Corp., Cook Medical Inc., CIVCO Medical Instruments Co. Inc., Huiheng Medical Inc., and Gammex Inc. (http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/analysis/158766).
iCAD Inc. a provider of advanced imaging and radiation therapy technologies to detect and treat cancer, has received the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance of its new cervical applicator for Xoft Electronic Brachytherapy System. The company received FDA clearance for its new cervical applicator for use with its Xoft Axxent® Electronic Brachytherapy System to deliver high dose rate brachytherapy for intracavitary treatment of cancer of the uterus, cervix, endometrium and vagina. Xoft’s cervical applicator is designed to treat locally advanced stage of cervical cancer in combination with the Xoft System by delivering the prescribed radiation dose to the uterus, and cervix, endometrium and vagina with reduced radiation exposure to the surrounding healthy tissue. The Xoft System is a mobile, isotope-free alternative to radionuclide-based high-dose radiation (HDR) brachytherapy and eliminates several logistical shortcomings associated with isotope, linear accelerator and external beam X-ray based radiation systems. Xoft also recently received FDA clearance for an upgraded Xoft System controller capability that will support the cervical applicator and offer enhanced platform features. (http://www.istockanalyst.com/finance/ story/6357488/icad-icad-receives-fda-clearance-of-cervical-applicator-for-xoft-electronic-brachytherapy-system).
Eckert & Ziegler BEBIG SA, has entered into a framework agreement for the local production of brachytherapy devices with ZAO MSM-Medimpex (MSM), a leading Russian distributor of; radiation therapy and nuclear medicine equipment. This agreement will enable MSM to manufacture a line of Russian brachytherapy devices for the precise treatment of cancer. The contract covers the sale of production assets from BEBIG to MSM, a license for the use of BEBIG know-how, and support for the development of local after- loader modules. BEBIG in turn will benefit from production equipment and license revenues, and a long term delivery contract for specialized components. Part of the license revenues will already be booked in 2012, increasing BEBIG’s projected 2012 EBIT to a level of about 4 mm EUR. “The agreement will bring MSM and BEBIG closer together and thereby strengthen BEBIG’s position in the Russian brachytherapy market”, explains Dr Edgar Löffler, managing director at Eckert & Ziegler BEBIG. Löffler further added: “It allows BEBIG to participate more prominently in future Russian government cancer care investments, which are expected to increase significantly under the new State Oncology Program. Over the last years, BEBIG has already sold over 70 temporary brachytherapy systems. There is still an enormous potential for the use of such equipment in Russia. Together with MSM we are determined to exploit it. The revenues generated by this contract will reach well over 30 million EUR for both parties over the following three years”. “MSM is proud to announce this result of our long-term fruitful collaboration with Eckert & Ziegler BEBIG in the field of temporary brachytherapy”, said Andrey Popov, director general of MSM. “We have built a strong market presence with the BEBIG cancer therapy equipment over the last years due to the unique temporary brachytherapy devices with miniaturized Co-60 sources. Also, this contract allows us to participate on the Federal Target Program. The local production will give us a significant advantage over our competitors in upcoming government tenders” (http://www.pharmabiz.com/NewsDetails.aspx?aid=72961&sid=2).
I believe that forthcoming months will bring more and more interesting news and information.
Sincerely yours,
Editor-in-Chief
Janusz Skowronek, MD, PhD, Ass. Prof.
