Orfit Announces Proton Therapy-Compatible Patient Immobilization Solution at ASTRO 2013

ATLANTA, Sept. 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Orfit Industries America, North American subsidiary of Orfit Industries, a world leader in patient immobilization systems, today announced the development of a proton therapy-compatible patient immobilization solution designed to significantly improve the effectiveness of radiation therapy delivery.  Orfit's new system is the result of a developmental effort in cooperation with Washington University and St. Louis-based Barnes-Jewish Hospital, two of the nation's preeminent research and clinical institutions.

Orfit will unveil the proton therapy-compatible immobilization solution as part of its participation in the Sept. 22-25 American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) 55th Annual Meeting (Booth #2543).

"The increased treatment precision of high-energy beams produced by proton accelerators and the specific nature of these proton beams involves several critical requirements," said Martin J. Ratner, Orfit Industries America Vice President of Sales and Marketing." These include a patient positioning device with homogeneous density, precise immobilization of the patient, even more than in conventional radiation therapy and close range position of the scanning device to the tumor. Orfit's proton therapy-compatible patient immobilization solution meets each of these requirements and should provide significantly enhanced patient outcomes."

Orfit's new proton therapy-compatible patient immobilization solution includes an array of base plates, head rests and thermoplastic nano-technology based masks with patented fixation elements for both adult and pediatric patients, and has been designed to meet the strict standards required for use during proton treatment.  The system has the ability to provide high-precision immobilization, as well as ease of use and patient comfort, and features unique components that help ensure beam path homogeneity and precise delivery.  These include a homogeneous low-density narrow carbon fiber base plate in the head and neck area, allowing for closer range positions of the treatment device.

As integral part of the solution, Orfit provides innovative nano-technology based thermoplastic masks that are thinner than conventional masks and that are securely and easily fastened to the base plate. These masks contribute to maximal immobilization, ensuring that the patient's position is stable and reproducible as well as comfortable. To ensure that the head of the patient is correctly positioned, a cranial back stop is attached to the base plate's cup-like head rest prior to the molding of the mask.

Currently in late-stage development, Orfit's prototype system is pending release and not currently FDA-listed.

ASTRO's Annual Meeting is the premier radiation oncology scientific event in the world and draws more than 11,000 attendees each year. During the 2013 Annual Meeting, attendees will discuss patient-centered care and the importance of the physician's role in helping with patient reported outcomes and the quality and safety of patient care.

About Orfit Industries
A family-owned business headquartered in Antwerp, Belgium, Orfit Industries is a market leader in the development and manufacturing of low temperature thermoplastics, hardware and accessories for patient immobilization and positioning in radiation oncology. With exports to more than 90 countries worldwide, the company also manufactures thermoplastic materials for the physical rehabilitation and technical orthopedics markets, such as splints and prosthetic components. In addition to Orfit Industries America, its North American subsidiary based in Jericho, New York, Orfit has subsidiaries in Germany and France. 

SOURCE Orfit Industries