SYNERGO TECHNOLOGY
INTRAVESICAL MICROWAVE (RF) INDUCED THERMO-CHEMOTHERAPY FOR THE TREATMENT OF NON-MUSCLE INVASIVE BLADDER CANCER
What is the Synergo system?
Synergo® is a computer-embedded intravesical irrigation system combined with an energy-delivering unit. The System includes a RF generator that delivers radiofrequency energy at 915 MHz (the lower limit of microwave electromagnetism), a drug circulating unit and a microprocessor with application specific software. The system connects to the Synergo® transurethral RF applicator.
What is the Synergo used for?
Synergo® is an advanced, minimally invasive technology for the treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).
How does the treatment work?
The treatment is based on controlled RF radiation (non-ionising microwave radiation) of the bladder tissue, along with instillations of the bladder with chemotherapy (thermochemotherapy). The patient is treated on an outpatient basis in a series of weekly one-hour treatments with no need for anaesthesia.
The user interface consists of a computer and a monitor with touch screen. The software monitors and records treatment parameters in real-time during the treatment session.
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What is the Synergo transurethral RF applicator?
The RF applicator is a dedicated catheter, equipped with an integrated miniaturised RF antenna that radiates the bladder walls, and 5 thermocouples (miniature thermometers) that monitor the bladder tissue temperature during the treatment. Chemotherapy is introduced into the bladder via the same applicator where it is circulated continuously and cooled by the system.
The use of Synergo® was approved by the European Standard Authorities (CE) in 2001. Since then the treatment has become available in many leading medical centres. So far, thousands of patients have been treated with Synergo® worldwide and many studies (including randomised trials) have been conducted over the years. The Synergo® technology has been proven safe and efficacious in the treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer in numerous routine treatment studies and clinical trials that have been published since 1995.
SYNERGISM OF TISSUE RADIOFREQUENCY & CHEMOTHERAPY
Synergism of local radiofrequency (RF) bladder tissue radiation and instillation of cooled chemotherapy, for patient comfort, protection of the (prostatic) urethra and drug stability.
Accurate real time temperatures are measured and monitored in 5 sites; 3 temperature readings on bladder walls and 2 lower temp. readings in the urethra.
This trimodality of RF, chemo and tissue thermal elevation, is the winning combination for treating non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.
The local, non-ionising, RF radiation also increases inter and intracellular drug mobility and cell uptake by selectively microporing cancer cell membranes, detaching the adhesion between cancer cells, and by charging the drug molecules with the generated 'Foucault' currents resulting in an active diffusion.
Medical Disclaimer
While clinical studies support the safety and effectiveness of the Synergo® RF thermo-chemotherapy system when used in the treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, results may vary. There are no guarantees of outcome. Before you decide on treatment options, discuss them with your doctor. Understanding the risks of each treatment can help you make the best decision for your individual situation. Synergo treatment may not be appropriate for every individual; it may not be applicable to your condition. Consult with your doctor about all treatment options, as well as their risks and benefits. Only your doctor can determine whether Synergo is appropriate for your situation. The information presented is not a substitute for the good advice of the attending physician. It is intended to supply patients with available information, thus making the doctor-patient dialogue more efficient: Legal Disclaimer