Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma Treatment Just Got Easier: UF Radiation Oncology’s Collaborative Solution to Minimize Patient Discomfort

Electron beam therapy, a key treatment for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, often requires prolonged, uncomfortable positioning that prompts some patients to discontinue treatment. A new UF Health Cancer Center invention aims to ease the experience.

UF Department of Radiation Oncology clinical associate professor Kathryn E. Hitchcock, MD, PhD, Carlos Colon-Ortiz, a master’s student in the J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, and a senior biomedical engineering design team have secured a provisional patent for a groundbreaking device that addresses the challenges of total skin electron beam therapy.

“Total skin electron beam therapy has a unique ability to deliver radiation to the skin’s surface, penetrating only a half-inch into the body,” Dr. Hitchcock said. “This makes it ideal for mycosis fungoides, a type of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma characterized by widespread, painful, and itchy lesions.”

Because mycosis fungoides accounts for approximately 70% of all cutaneous T-cell lymphomas, Dr. Hitchcock and her “Beta-Rev” team were particularly thrilled to succeed in creating a more comfortable five-treatment experience for the patient. The device allows patients to stand on a rotating platform, ensuring uniform coverage. In addition, its casters and a telescopic frame can fold for easy transport.

"Our senior biomedical engineering design team was initially daunted by the challenge posed by Dr. Hitchcock to develop an innovative solution for improving the turntable device, which aimed to make the treatment more manageable," Colon-Ortiz said. “However, we quickly embraced the opportunity, combining our diverse creative ideas with the robust engineering skills we had acquired throughout our coursework.”

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued the provisional patent in July. The collaborative biomedical engineering and radiation oncology Beta-Rev team, which includes Abigail Secu-Alpin, Cierra Gibson, Stefan Wehmeier, Everett Schwieg, Isadora Braga, Madison Otero, Daniel Lichlyter, Ismael Arroyo, Dr. Bo Lu, Dr. Eric Fuller, Dr. Luke Maloney, and Dr. Sakina Sojar, now hopes to engage vendors and engineers to help develop the device for market.

“Bringing this innovative design to market will allow it to be implemented in radiation oncology clinics across the country,” Colon-Ortiz said. “Ultimately, this device will enhance our ability to effectively treat mycosis fungoides and other relevant diseases, benefiting patients nationwide.”