(Boursier.com) – Theraklion Announces the treatment of the first patient in its study of early-stage breast cancer, in cooperation with the University of Virginia (UVA) Cancer Center in the United States. The aim of the research is to study the combined effect of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and low-dose chemotherapy on the immune response to breast cancer.

This new study, registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, was designed by Professor David Brennen and Professor Patrick Dillon. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of Theraclion focused ultrasound combined with low-dose gemcitabine in patients with early-stage breast cancer. “We will investigate whether this combination reduces myeloid-derived suppressor cells and thus increases the immune response,” says David Brennen, MD, chief of breast and skin cancer surgical services and professor in the department of surgery at UVA Health. “If proven effective, combined treatment could provide patients with early-stage breast cancer with a better chance of survival,” adds Patrick Dillon, MD, associate professor of hematology and oncology at UVA Health.

After a first successful collaboration with patients with advanced breast cancer, the University of Virginia Cancer Center (UVA) has expanded the use of Theraclion technology to stage 2 early-stage breast cancer. These two studies underscore the interest of an approach that combines a non-invasive HIFU platform with chemotherapy and/or immuno-oncology, in exploring alternative solutions for treating early or advanced stage breast cancer.

Theraclion’s growth strategy consists of developing 3 therapeutic areas in 3 geographies: varicose veins, in the United States (FDA authorization application has begun) and in Europe; The thyroid gland in Europe and China. Breast cancer, especially in the United States and with partners.