Prostate Cancer Treatments
Radiation Therapy
(Also see Cancer / Treatments / Radiation Therapy)
Our radiation oncologists use the most contemporary technology to spare healthy tissue and lessen side effects. For cancer that has not spread beyond the prostate, our specialists provide treatments featuring:
IMRT is sophisticated and precise, using computer images to plan delivery of focused radiation beams. The specialists here are highly experienced in using intensity-modulated radiation therapy to shape beams that fit the tumor form. An advanced development, IGRT, uses localizing markers to image the area before each treatment. This ensures therapy accuracy before each radiation dose.
The Calypso® tumor targeting system uses tiny transponders, implanted in the prostate, to make sure the organ is exactly aligned with the external radiation beam during treatment. Because the prostate continuously moves, the Calypso® method monitors it and re-positions the beam. This makes it possible for physicians to prescribe higher doses of radiation to a smaller area, resulting in fewer side effects for patients.
Gold seed implants may be used as internal markers in prostate cancer patients being treated with IMRT. The gold seed markers help physicians direct radiation more accurately. Placed via ultrasound guidance, the gold seeds are used with "fused" CT scan and MRI for IMRT planning and treatment.
Radiation therapy can also be delivered internally to the prostate through brachytherapy. This outpatient procedure is jointly performed by staff members from the divisions of Radiation Oncology and Urology. Radioactive iodine or palladium "seeds" are placed in the prostate by ultrasound guidance to deliver a high dose of radiation only to the prostate, minimizing exposure to surrounding normal tissue. In some cases, this treatment is combined with hormonal therapy or external beam radiation.
Patient education informs about treatment, possible side effects and personal care.
The Rosenfeld Cancer Center at Abington Memorial Hospital has been awarded the ACR-ASTRO seal of accreditation for the highest level of quality and patient safety by the American College of Radiology (ACR) and The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO). This three-year award is given only after a peer-review evaluation by experts in the field. The review assesses our patient care, treatment and safety, the qualifications of our team, quality control, equipment excellence and more.
Learn more about our prostate cancer care:
Watch a video in which a man talks about his prostate cancer treatment at The Rosenfeld Cancer Center with the Calypso® tumor targeting system.
