Japan approves CyberKnife system for extracranial use

Robotic radiosurgery system offers non-invasive treatment alternative for tumors anywhere in the body

Sunnyvale, Calif. (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - Accuray Incorporated (Nasdaq: ARAY), a global leader in the field of radiosurgery, announced today that Japan's Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) has granted Shonin approval of the CyberKnife(R) Robotic Radiosurgery System for use in treatment of extracranial tumors, including tumors that move with respiration. This regulatory approval dramatically expands the types of patients that can be treated with radiosurgery. As a result of this approval, the CyberKnife System may be used in Japan to treat tumors anywhere in the body, including those in the spine, lung, liver, pancreas and prostate.

"Japanese regulatory approval for these expanded indications is a noteworthy milestone for Accuray and significantly expands the potential for the CyberKnife System in Japan," said Eric P. Lindquist, senior vice president and chief marketing officer of Accuray Incorporated. "Because customers in Japan have a long history of using the CyberKnife System for tumors in the head and neck, we are pleased that the benefits of extracranial radiosurgery will finally be realized by this important
market."

The CyberKnife System offers cancer patients worldwide a pain-free, non- invasive alternative to surgery. In 1996 the CyberKnife System was first approved in Japan to treat tumors in the head and neck. Currently, there are 20 CyberKnife Systems installed throughout Japan, making it the second largest installed base of CyberKnife Systems after the United States.

Recently Accuray established an office in ...