The introduction of Cesium-131 represents the culmination of decades of work and millions of dollars of investment. Today medical centers, hospitals and clinics across the United States offer this breakthrough treatment. 

IsoRay Medical™ was founded in Richland, Washington in 1998 to develop, manufacture and market isotopes for use in the medical treatment of various malignant diseases. Company founders included recognized experts in the medical isotope field, including Lane A. Bray, chief chemist of IsoRay Medical™, who developed the patented process for economically separating and purifying Cesium-131.

In March 2003 IsoRay Medical™ Inc. received clearance to market Cesium-131 from the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of prostate, breast, liver, brain, head and neck cancers and other malignant disease. In October of 2004, a patient was first treated with Cesium-131 at the University of Washington Medical Center.

Beginning more than 40 years ago, Cesium-131 was the first choice over other radioactive medical isotopes, although scientific and economic considerations prevented its development. Once these hurdles were overcome, IsoRay Medical™, Inc. was formed to bring the new treatment tool to market.

The Cesium-131 Brachytherapy Seed offers physicians and their patients a new choice in isotope for the treatment of prostate cancer by combining a significantly shorter half-life with a high level of energy.

Treating prostate cancer using Cesium-131 is only the first step. The company expects to broaden treatment options with the development of protocols for the treatment of breast, liver, lung, pancreatic and other malignancies.