Ferrotran, the contrast agent that detects cancer metastases much earlier and more accurately.
Ferrotran (formerly Combidex), based on Ferumoxtran-10, is the only contrast agent which can detect lymph node metastases as small as 2 mm diameter. Standard MRI or CT are not able to detect lymph node metastases smaller than 7 – 8 mm. Since most of the oncologic patients are dying due to metastases, a precise diagnostic is of utmost importance. The detection of small metastases, combined with the very clear and contrast rich MRI image of Ferrotran, enables an earlier and more precise treatment. Therefore, Ferrotran gives the patient a much higher chance of recovery.
How Ferrotran works
Ferrotran is a contrast agent which consists of nano-sized iron oxide particles. It is given intravenously prior of a MRI exam and after 24-36 hours a MRI scan can be performed. This time is needed to give the body time to absorb the ultra small iron oxide particles (USPIOs). White blood cells direct the nano-particles to the lymph nodes. The nano-particles are absorbed by the healthy lymph nodes, which color black on the MRI scan. The part of lymph nodes which contain metastases does not absorb the nanoparticles. Therefore, the metastases have a white color on the MRI scan and can easily be detected.
CLINICAL TRIALS INFORMATION
PUBLICATIONS & NEWS
Noninvasive Detection of Clinically Occult Lymph-Node Metastases in Prostate Cancer
High-resolution MRI with magnetic nanoparticles allows the detection of small and otherwise undetectable lymph-node metastases in patients with prostate cancer.
MRI with a lymph-node-specific contrast agent as an alternative to CT scan and lymph-node dissection in patients with prostate cancer: a prospective multicohort study
MRL had significantly higher sensitivity and NPV than MDCT for patients with prostate cancer who had intermediate or high risk of having lymph-node metastases. In such patients, after a negative MRL, the post-test probability of having lymph-node metastases is low enough to omit a PLND.
BE IMAGING GmbH to invest in SPL Medical B.V.
The venture b.e. imaging GmbH, part of the Bender Gruppe GmbH and SPL Medical B.V. have signed an exclusive Agreement for the marketing of Ferrotran®
Prostate Cancer: Detection of Lymph Node Metastases Outside the Routine Surgical Area with Ferumoxtran-10–enhanced MR Imaging
In 41% of patients with prostate cancer, nodal metastases outside the area of routine PLND were detected by using MR imaging with ferumoxtran-10.