Our Technology Goals
The number of colorectal cancer patients is expected to increase by over 58% by 2040.
- The third most common cancer in the world
- The second highest mortality rate worldwide (730,000 deaths in 2020) (including colon and rectal cancer)
- Treatment cost in the U.S.: 17.4 billion USD in 2020
Source: Translational Research 2021; Global colorectal cancer burden in 2020, WHO Cancer Today
Limitations of Radiotherapy (RT)
–
01 Pre-surgical Radiotherapy (RT) for Rectal Cancer
Standard treatment for rectal cancer
Over 70% of rectal cancer patients receive radiotherapy
02 Problems caused by hypoxia (lack of oxygen)
Hypoxia affects **50% of all cancers**
Hypoxia increases resistance to radiotherapy, reducing treatment efficacy
Problems caused by hypoxia:
Decreased survival rate
Increased side effects
Higher treatment costs
