Delcath Systems, an interventional oncology company focused on the treatment of primary and metastatic cancers of the liver, has announced the first commercial use of Hepzato Kit for the treatment of metastatic uveal melanoma.
The procedure took place at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida by Jonathan S Zager, chief academic officer at the facility. Zager was the global lead investigator for the FOCUS phase 3 trial.
“The fact that patients with difficult to treat metastatic uveal melanoma with limited treatment options now have another alternative is truly remarkable and exciting. There has been a large unmet need for liver directed therapy options to treat this patient population, and we intend to incorporate this as standard of care for appropriate patients,” said Zager. The investigators enrolled and treated the first and last patients on the FOCUS phase 3 trial and the team at Moffitt has performed the procedure over 200 times to date.
The company is working with numerous other leading cancer centres across the USA which have indicated interest in Hepzato Kit to ensure patients have nationwide access to the treatment. In conjunction with the first commercial treatment, Delcath also launched websites relating to the Hepzato Kit to support the commercial launch.
“The first commercial procedure utilising Hepzato Kit in the USA is a significant milestone for Delcath and patients suffering from metastatic uveal melanoma. We are proud to continue our relationship with Zager and the team at Moffitt Cancer Center to bring this unique treatment to appropriate patients in need. I want to thank all the collaborators and patients who participated in the long but necessary process to bring Hepzato Kit to market,” said Gerard Michel, Delcath’s chief executive officer.
