Medanta Patents Innovative MAOLO Brachytherapy Device For Advanced Cervical Cancer Treatment

In a press statement on Friday, Medanta Hospital in Gurugram announced an advancement in late-stage cervical cancer treatment with the patenting of its innovative Medanta Anterior Oblique Lateral Oblique (MAOLO) template. 

Conceptualised by Susovan Banerjee, Associate Director, and developed in collaboration with  Tejinder Kataria, Chairperson of the Division of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Institute, and the Medanta Medical Physics Team, this device addresses the need for effective treatment of large tumours, exceeding 100cc, compared to the commercially available applicators that manage tumours up to 36cc, the statement from the healthcare service provider informed.

Approved by the Medanta Institutional Review Board and Independent Ethics Committee, the MAOLO template is a high-precision, patient-friendly applicator designed for image-guided adaptive Brachytherapy, targeting larger pelvic areas previously untreatable with existing intracavitary templates. Unlike the bulky and uncomfortable commercial applicators, MAOLO offers a more comfortable and effective solution for patients.

Brachytherapy, also known as plesiotherapy, involves placing the radiation source close to the tumour, allowing for a higher radiation dose over a smaller area compared to External Beam Radiation Therapy. Since the 1930s, Brachytherapy has been successfully used to treat various cancers, including cervical cancer.

Tejinder Kataria emphasised that the MAOLO overcomes the limitations of existing applicators, which are cumbersome, difficult to assemble, and uncomfortable for patients. The MAOLO template simplifies the procedure, reducing the need for extensive anaesthesia, pain medication, and prolonged hospital stays.

Designed to address large tumours and minimise recurrence, especially in the lateral parametria, the MAOLO template is a breakthrough for patients with advanced-stage cervical cancer. Susovan Banerjee explained that the device’s design allows for maximum catheter placement in three directions, improving treatment efficacy and patient comfort.

Naresh Trehan, Chairman and Managing Director of Medanta, stated, “The MAOLO template exemplifies our commitment to developing high-quality medical technologies that improve patient outcomes. This patent marks a significant step forward in cervical cancer care in India. We will continue to innovate and provide solutions that cater to the needs of our community.”