ZEISS Medical Technology announced that it has received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its INTRABEAM 700 platform, a next-generation system designed to provide robotic-assisted precision during intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT). The new platform represents a significant advancement in surgical oncology, particularly for the treatment of brain tumors and breast cancer.
Robotic Precision Enhances Treatment Accuracy
The INTRABEAM 700 introduces cutting-edge maneuverability through its robotic SMART Stand, which offers unprecedented positioning control throughout the treatment process. This advanced system allows surgeons to approach the surgical cavity rapidly but then transition to slower, more precise movements when navigating within the cavity.
"The new incarnation of the INTRABEAM 700 really gives you more range of motion in the delivery of the applicator to the cavity. It gives you precision in how movements can be made inside of the resection cavity by the applicator," explains Dr. Christopher Cifarelli, neurosurgeon at West Virginia University.
Once the applicator is positioned, active damping and stand dynamics reduce residual vibrations to a minimum, ensuring that the target focus remains consistent throughout the entire treatment. This stability is crucial for contact irradiation, where unintended movements could compromise treatment efficacy or damage healthy tissue.
Digital-First Architecture Streamlines Clinical Workflow
The INTRABEAM 700 platform introduces several innovations designed to enhance workflow efficiency in the operating room. The system features new sterile ZEISS INTRABEAM SMART Spherical Applicators with digital-assisted applicator management, eliminating the need for sterilization between procedures. The related ZEISS INTRABEAM Spherical Sizer Set further streamlines the process by providing sterile, single-use tools for determining optimal applicator size.
Dr. Christian Schwedes, Head of the Neuro- and Spine Surgery Business Sector at ZEISS Medical Technology, emphasizes the platform's significance: "Based on our established INTRABEAM platform, the newly developed ZEISS INTRABEAM 700 marks the next major step on our path to shaping the oncology workflows of tomorrow. It is especially designed for a precise, structured and risk-adapted treatment of brain tumors."
The system's modern and intuitive graphical user interface allows clinicians to control all functions with a single tap, while convenient draping and balancing functions further support clinical workflow efficiency. These features enable healthcare professionals to focus more on patient treatment and less on equipment management.
Advanced Treatment Planning with Radiance™ Software
A key component of the INTRABEAM 700 platform is the completely redesigned Radiance™ treatment planning simulation software. This advanced tool enables oncologists to assess and simulate all relevant intraoperative radiation dosage parameters based on individual patient data prior to treatment.
The software supports a simpler and faster workflow, reducing unexpected treatment disruptions during surgery—a critical factor in successful surgical oncology procedures. By allowing for pre-operative planning and simulation, Radiance™ helps ensure optimal patient outcomes through more predictable and precise radiation delivery.
Seamless Integration with Hospital Systems
As healthcare facilities increasingly embrace digital transformation, the INTRABEAM 700 platform offers seamless connectivity with existing surgical infrastructure and hospital information systems. The system provides integrated applicator recognition and confirmation through embedded Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, enhancing safety and traceability.
Direct access to leading digital solutions from ZEISS enables faster routine workflows and simplified data management, supporting the trend toward more connected and efficient surgical environments. This integration capability is particularly valuable in multidisciplinary settings where neurosurgery and oncological therapy must work in close collaboration.
Ongoing Clinical Research
The INTRABEAM platform is currently being evaluated in multiple large clinical studies investigating intraoperative radiotherapy in various cancers. Notable trials include:
- INTRAGO-II (Phase 3 trial in glioblastoma): Completed in 2024, with data publication expected in 2026
- INTRAMET (Phase 2 trial for brain metastases): Results expected in 2026
- TARGIT-E (Phase 3 trial for elderly breast cancer patients): Publication due in 2025
- TARGIT-US (Phase 4 trial in breast cancer patients undergoing breast-conserving surgery): Results expected in 2027
These studies will provide valuable data on the clinical efficacy of intraoperative radiotherapy using the INTRABEAM platform, potentially expanding its applications in oncology.
Market Introduction
ZEISS will present the INTRABEAM 700 platform at the American Association of Neurological Surgeons Annual Scientific Meeting (AANS) in Boston from April 25 to 28, 2025. This introduction marks an important milestone in ZEISS's commitment to advancing medical innovation in cancer therapy.
"From smart robotic positioning of the system, a more efficient workflow before and during the application, to bringing the system into the 21st century when it comes to digitalization and connectivity, the ZEISS INTRABEAM 700 will support the efficient and seamless collaboration between neurosurgery and oncological therapy," Dr. Schwedes added.
The FDA clearance of the INTRABEAM 700 platform represents a significant advancement in intraoperative radiotherapy, offering new possibilities for precision treatment in neuro-oncology and breast cancer therapy while supporting the ongoing evolution of surgical oncology workflows.
