New technology to enhance prostate cancer treatment
In an Australian first, a state-of-the-art treatment technology is raising the bar on prostate cancer care at The Alfred.
Treatment for high risk prostate cancer - brachytherapy – is generally delivered via the temporary placement of a radiation source within the prostate to achieve high dose treatment within a matter of minutes.
The radiation oncology team at The Alfred can now deliver brachytherapy using a new software that enhances the precision and continuity of treatment, says Alfred Radiation Oncologist Dr Aaron Kent.
“The precision of the new system allows us to deliver very high dose radiation to the prostate exactly where it needs to be, while minimising exposure to the surrounding healthy tissues,” Dr Kent said.
“This treatment, in combination with external beam radiotherapy, is very effective at treating prostate cancer while minimising side effects to bladder, bowel and sexual function in men.”
Alfred Cancer patient Jeff, 78, was the first person to be treated using the new machine.
“My experience with the treatment was remarkable – the team told me what to expect and made it positive, painless and relatively straight forward,” Geoff said.
“Supported by my brachytherapy team, my whole experience was a positive one.”
_500_333.png)
