3 Key Takeaways:
- Prostate cancer radiation therapy has seen rapid development due to continuous innovation.
- The use of imaging and multiple beams has drastically improved precision and reduced treatment margins.
- CT scans are now being used to ensure millimeter precision and a rigorous QA process is used to guarantee accuracy.
In the ever-evolving landscape of medical technology, we have been experience remarkable progress in the realm of prostate cancer radiation therapy. This journey, defined by continuous innovation, is transforming prostate cancer treatment, reducing its prevalence, and significantly improving the quality of life for countless patients.
From Single Beams to Multiple Beams – The Beginning
Reflecting on the origins of radiation therapy, we recollect the use of a single radiation beam, a pioneering endeavor at the time, though primitive by contemporary standards. “When we first started doing radiation therapy, we initially treated with a single radiation beam,” recalls our Advanced Prostate Cancer Institute expert in Oxford, FL. This method, while groundbreaking at its inception, relied on superficial observations. “We weren’t imaging within the body. We were just looking at the outside of the body and assuming things were at a certain spot.”
Consequently, we required extensive treatment margins to ensure accuracy. However, as we ventured further into the unknown, we discovered new ways to refine our approach, gradually reducing these margins and enhancing precision.
Imaging Progression – A Leap Forward
The advent of imaging marked a significant step forward in radiation therapy for prostate cancer. By imaging bones, we were able to further reduce treatment margins, and with the use of multiple beams, enhance precision. “We started imaging, and we would image bones, and we would reduce our margins a little bit further. And then we would image with multiple beams, and treat with multiple beams, so we would reduce our margins even further still.”
Harnessing CT Scans – The Pinnacle of Precision
Our commitment to progress led us to embrace CT scans, correlating these scans from the treatment planning system to treatment to CT plans from the linear accelerator. The result is an exceptional level of confidence in our abilities. “We’re using CT scans, and we’re correlating CT scans from the treatment planning system to treatment to CT plans from the linear accelerator, so we are exceptionally confident. As I said, millimeter precision, that we’re on target every day.”
This innovative approach to treatment is fortified by a rigorous QA process, ensuring we’re delivering exactly what we promise. “Once a plan is done, we go through an entire QA process to make sure that we’re delivering exactly what the planning system says we’re going to deliver.”
Advanced Urology Institute – A Beacon of Innovation in Florida
With this exciting journey of technological advancement, we’re committed to the continuous evolution of prostate cancer radiation therapy. That’s why we at the Advanced Urology Institute, the largest urology practice in Florida, are always at the forefront of innovative treatments. Through our dedication to technological advancement, we’re revolutionizing prostate cancer treatment, offering hope to countless patients across Florida.
Every step of our journey is marked by a dedication to precision, efficiency, and the utmost care for our patients. When you place your trust in the Advanced Urology Institute, you’re not just choosing a treatment – you’re choosing a partner in your health journey, committed to delivering the best possible health outcomes using cutting-edge prostate cancer radiation therapy.
References:
- “Tests for prostate cancer.” 7 Apr. 2022, https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/prostate-cancer/getting-diagnosed/tests-for-prostate-cancer.
- “Quality assurance testing in computed tomography – RaySafe.” https://www.raysafe.com/application/quality-assurance-testing-computed-tomography.
- “History of Prostate Cancer Treatment.” 23 Jun. 2023, https://urologyspecialistsnc.com/history-of-prostate-cancer-treatment/.
Transcription:
When we first started doing radiation therapy, and I guess I’m going to show my age, we initially treated with a single radiation beam, and as you can imagine, we weren’t imaging within the body. We were just looking at the outside of the body and assuming things were at a certain spot. So in order to be sure that we were hitting that, we had to have very, very large treatment margins.
Well then we started imaging, and we would image bones, and we would reduce our margins a little bit further. And then we would image with multiple beams, and treat with multiple beams, so we would reduce our margins even further still. Well now we’re using CT scans, and we’re correlating CT scans from the treatment planning system to treatment to CT plans from the linear accelerator, so we are exceptionally confident.
As I said, millimeter precision, that we’re on target every day. In addition to that, once a plan is done, we go through an entire QA process to make sure that we’re delivering exactly what the planning system says we’re going to deliver.
