July 1, 2022 — Insightec, a global healthcare company dedicated to using acoustic energy to transform patient care, today announced that it has received FDA approval for an investigational device exemption (IDE) for a clinical comparative study of the Exablate Prostate system used to treat diseased prostate tissue. This study will evaluate the safety and efficacy of focal treatment using high intensity focused ultrasound when compared to active surveillance in men living with prostate cancer.
The Insightec Exablate Prostate system uses sound waves to ablate, or destroy, targeted tissue in the prostate. The treatment is performed under Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) guidance for high resolution visualization of the patient’s anatomy for precise targeting and real-time temperature monitoring. The single session treatment does not require incisions and allows patients to quickly return to normal activity with minimal complications.
“We are excited to continue this important research that can impact on the standard of care for prostate cancer treatment,” said Behfar Ehdaie, MD, MS, a urologic surgeon at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and principal investigator for the study. “Exablate Focused Ultrasound has been shown to provide an accurate, safe, and effective option to engage the prostate gland directly in select patients based on 2-years biopsy outcomes. The new trial will build on this success and help further enhance treatment options.”
“At Insightec, we are committed to the next generation of prostate cancer research and patient care,” said Maurice R. Ferré, MD, Insightec CEO and Chairman of the Board. “Through technological innovation and medical advancements, there has been significant progress made in treating the prostate over the last decade, but we’re not done yet. Our goal for this study is to demonstrate the clinical benefits of Exablate Prostate and provide patients with the opportunity for improved quality of life outcomes.”
A previous Insightec-sponsored clinical trial led by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center for the Exablate Prostate system reported minimal damage to adjacent structures and low rates of impact on potency and continence, supporting function and quality of life for patients. The new comparative study builds on the evidence of this clinical trial and aims to further enhance prostate treatment options and improve clinical outcomes.
The Insightec Exablate Prostate system received 510(k) FDA clearance in November 2021, making way for the system to be offered to patients in a commercial facility and for further clinical studies. In January 2022, the system was used to treat prostate disease in its first US commercial patient.
Results from the new study will define the role of focal therapy to delay and avoid radical therapy for men with prostate cancer and support expanded clinical adoption of the technology and increased access for patients through insurance reimbursement.
For more information: www.insightec.com
Related prostate cancer content:
SNMMI Applauds FDA Approval of New Metastatic Prostate Cancer Treatment
PSMA PET Validates EAU Classification System to Determine Risk of Prostate Cancer Recurrence
VIDEO: MRI-Linac and PSMA PET Imaging Technologies Aids Therapy at GenesisCare
FDA Approves First Commercially Available PSMA PET Imaging Agent for Prostate Cancer
PSMA-Targeted Radiotracer Pinpoints Metastatic Prostate Cancer Across Anatomic Regions
Metastatic Prostate Cancer on the Rise Since Decrease in Cancer Screenings
Rational Surgical Solutions’ mCRPC Master Now Offered as Free Download
A Look Ahead in Targeted Radionuclide Therapy
July 31, 2024 
