Intravascular radiotherapy prevents arterial restenosis

LONDON, September 20 (SPIS MedWire). Low-dose internal radiotherapy is effective in preventing coronary artery narrowing after stent implantation, an international trial has shown.

Speaking at the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology conference in Istanbul this week, Dr Ian Crocker from the Department of Radiation Oncology at Emory University School of Medicine, USA, presented results from the START (STents And Radiation Therapy Trial) trial, conducted in 50 North American and European centres.

"This is the first clinical trial to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of beta, rather than gamma, radiation for patients with in-stent restenosis," he said. Immediately following the procedure to open their blocked stents, 476 patients were randomized to receive either a beta radiation source (Strontium 90) for 3-5 minutes or placebo (no treatment). Eight months later, all patients returned for an angiogram.

Dr Crocker said that patients treated with beta radiation had a significant reduction in ...