Creo Medical Group PLC (AIM:CREO) the AIM-listed medical device company specialising in minimally invasive surgical endoscopy, has announced the commencement of robotic-guided microwave ablation procedures for lung cancer at two UK hospitals.
Ablation is a medical procedure used to destroy abnormal or diseased tissue, often employed in cancer treatment to target tumours. Microwave ablation, specifically, involves the use of heat generated by microwave energy to destroy cancerous cells while sparing surrounding healthy tissue.
The procedures mark the first clinical use of Creo's MicroBlate Flex ablation device in combination with Intuitive's Ion Endoluminal System under the companies’ amended collaboration agreement.
The first of these procedures was carried out at a leading UK hospital, following earlier cases performed at the Royal Brompton Hospital. The latter site is conducting an ongoing clinical study led by Professor Shah, who has been a key figure in advancing the use of Creo’s technology.
The procedures form part of Creo’s Pioneer Programme, which aims to build clinical evidence supporting the use of robotic-guided ablation for cancer treatment. This initiative is set to expand in 2025, with more procedures expected at additional sites as the programme transitions into a commercial phase.
By integrating robotics with microwave ablation, Creo and Intuitive are seeking to enhance precision and outcomes in lung cancer treatment. The collaboration underlines Creo’s focus on innovation in endoscopic procedures for pre-cancer and cancer patients.
CEO Craig Gulliford said: "We are delighted that this first clinical site under the Pioneer Programme, representing a second UK clinical site, has started clinical practice and successfully completed their first robotic-guided lung cancer ablation procedure using Creo's MicroBlate Flex alongside Intuitive's Ion Endoluminal System.
"With both the clinical study at the Royal Brompton and this site as part of the clinical Pioneer Programme, we now have two UK hospitals undertaking these procedures.
"These sites, under the amended collaboration agreement with Intuitive, will provide us with the clinical evidence needed to support the wider commercialisation of the MicroBlate Flex device. We look forward to updating shareholders on our progress."