Although prostate problems have plagued men for many years, the growing elderly population is now driving an unprecedented increase in caseloads and a corresponding need for improved treatments. One of the primary concerns is the rise in prostate cancer diagnoses. With more than two million American men currently living with prostate cancer and more than 200,000 new cases diagnosed each year, the market for diagnostic and therapeutic products to address this disease is substantial; more than $2 billion in the US in 2007.

A preview of the emerging health care companies profiled in the current issue of Start-Up. This month's profile group, "Antibody Start-Ups," features profiles of 4-Antibody, Anaptys Biosciences and f-star. Plus these Start-Ups Across Health Care: Actuality Medical, INBONE Technologies, Interrad Medical and Tethys BioScience.

All cancer treatments-- surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy-carry the risk of adverse effects or the need for adjuvant therapies. With two-thirds of all cancer patients today receiving radiation therapy and a significant number undergoing invasive therapies such as surgery, Actuality Medical is developing technology for improving the precision, morbidity, and quality of radiation oncology and surgical excision for soft tissue applications, starting with prostate and breast cancer.

Noteworthy news from medtech start-ups, including Actuality Medical's dynamic adaptive therapy for brachytherapy and other indications; WaveBlend's new platform for aesthetic treatments; new spine products from US Spine.