Ricoh USA and Kallisio have partnered to manufacture and distribute Stentra patient-specific oral stents designed to improve radiation therapy for head and neck cancer (HNC) patients.
Stentra was developed based on technology exclusively licensed from MD Anderson Cancer Centre and was granted 510(k) approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
It works to protect healthy tissue by precisely displacing and immobilising sensitive areas during treatment, allowing for more targeted and effective radiation delivery.
The oral stent is said to play an important role in minimising side effects and enhancing overall treatment outcomes, said Ricoh.
Under the collaboration, patient-specific medical devices maker RICOH 3D for Healthcare will use its network of FDA-registered 3D printing facilities to manufacture Stentra.
The partnership will enable rapid and effective distribution of the patient-specific oral stent to radiation oncology teams nationwide, said Ricoh.
It will allow radiation oncologists to order Stentra through RICOH 3D for Healthcare’s Clinical Applications Specialists, starting in October 2024.
RICOH 3D for Healthcare managing director Gary Turner said: “Our collaboration with Kallisio highlights our shared commitment to advancing cancer care by addressing critical needs in toxicity management.
“Stentra not only protects the tongue and other healthy tissues from exposure to radiation but also enhances the precision of radiation therapy, thereby reducing side effects and improving patient quality of life.”
Ricoh USA is a subsidiary of Japanese multinational imaging and electronics company Ricoh.
Earlier this year, Ricoh opened its point of care 3D medical device manufacturing facility, the RICOH 3D for Healthcare Innovation Studio in downtown Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Kallisio is a medical device company focused on developing advanced solutions to better manage toxicity and improve cancer care.
The company aims to help oncologists deliver effective treatment while safeguarding patients from healthy tissue harm and long-term adverse side effects.
Kallisio CEO Rajan Patel said: “Partnering with RICOH 3D for Healthcare is a natural fit for our mission to transform cancer care.
“Ricoh’s expertise in advanced manufacturing and their robust distribution network, including point-of-care production capabilities and clinical applications team, make them an ideal partner.
“Together, we can ensure that Stentra reaches radiation oncology teams efficiently, enhancing treatment precision and patient outcomes on a broad scale.”
