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The Medical Center of Southeast Texas Acquires State-of-the-Art Endoscopic Equipment
May 3, 2010
The Medical Center of Southeast Texas announced today the procurement of the HALO system to treat and remove abnormal cells in the esophagus, allowing the regrowth of normal, healthy tissue. The Medical Center is the only HALO-credentialed hospital to treat esophageal cancer in the area.
Results from a clinical study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reveal that ablative therapy using the HALO system (BARRX Medical, Inc.) is highly effective for complete eradication of a pre-cancerous condition of the esophagus called Barrett’s esophagus afflicting more than 3.3 million Americans.
Today, the medical management of a pre-cancerous condition typically follows a “diagnose and treat” protocol. Data shows that treating early cancerous changes not only impacts long-term healthcare costs, but also improves the quality of life for patients living with uncertainty and fear. Removing Barrett’s at any earlier stage – before it advances – may have a high likelihood of preventing progression to cancer. At its current growth rate, Aden carcinoma of the esophagus is on tract to exceed the number of deaths from colon cancer within 15 years. Now that technology is available to treat Barrett’s disease before it progresses to cancer, there is an opportunity to impact this projection and ultimately improve the quality of life for the millions of Americans living with Barrett’s esophagus.
“We are excited about acquiring this state-of-the-art equipment,” said Michael Landry, Chief Executive Officer. “Patients who require the use of the HALO system can be treated at The Medical Center instead of driving to Houston or Lake Charles.”
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