Transbronchoscopic implantible radioisotope capsule for lung cancer

A new medical device has been developed and used successfully to treat inoperable lung cancer in twelve patients at the Johns Hopkins University Hospital in Baltimore. The new RADICAP^TR system was engineered and developed by Triangle Research and Development Corporation (TRDC). Work began in 1984, sponsored by a SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) grant from the National Cancer Institute. The system permits a radioisotope capsule to be implanted in a patient, via a fiberbronchoscope and with a local anesthetic, where it provides localized radiotherapy to selective lung cancers. Following successful animal trials with dogs, sheep, and baboons, the system was granted IDE clearance by the FDA. At the Johns Hopkins Broyles Bronchoscopic Clinic, prototype units have been implanted and retrieved in patients who had inoperable lung cancer and were not candidates for further radiotherapy or chemotherapy. The RADICAP^TR device can deliver more than 5,000 Rad locally in only a few days with minimal impact upon surrounding normal tissues. No complications have been observed and the treatment was determined to be effective with all patients.