Page 18 - SFHN0119pagesFINAL.qxp_Page layout

ONCOLOGY UPDATE in South Florida ...ONCOLOGY UPDATE in South
A Special Thank

You to the Reducing Toxicity from Prostate Cancer Radiotherapy

December 2018 While radiotherapy has proven to be a related to the gel and it remains stable
very effective treatment for men with throughout radiation therapy before
Host of the South prostate cancer, the high doses of radia- being absorbed by the body.
tion required to kill cancer cells in this
Florida Healthcare area have traditionally come with the Reducing Toxicity
In a randomized, prospective clinical
risk of toxicity to organs that surround
the prostate. The rectum, which sits trial, it was demonstrated that the hydro-
Networking Group directly behind the prostate, is of partic- gel is well tolerated by patients, easy to
ular concern, with high energy X-rays place, and, most importantly, significantly
potentially causing injury to the rectal reduces the volume of rectum that receives
wall, diarrhea, or bleeding. high dose radiotherapy. This has directly
To reduce the dose of radiation translated to a reduction in rectal toxicity
received by the rectum during treatment, and its side effects among patients who
radiation oncologists currently utilize received the product.
intensity modulated radiotherapy BY AARON FALCHOOK, MD Another benefit to this approach is that
DELRAY BEACH (IMRT), a technique where the radiation it can be used with many different types of
MEDICAL CENTER beam is delivered from multiple direc- to physically separate the two organs is radiation, including:
• Fractionated radiotherapy - small to
tions with varying intensity, reducing the
amount of rectum directly in the path of one approach being tested. Another moderate doses of radiation given daily for
radiation. We also use image guided product that may help reduce radiation four to eight weeks
For information about radiotherapy (IGRT) to precisely verify from reaching the rectum are implanted • Stereotactic radiosurgery - high doses
our next meeting of the location of the prostate and rectum calypso fiducial markers, which emit a of radiotherapy delivered in four to five
to ensure the target is aligned correctly radiofrequency signal that helps localize treatments over one to two weeks
SFHNG, within the treatment machine. Still, nei- the prostate. In essence, it’s similar to a • Brachytherapy - radioactive seed

please email ther of these approaches changes the fact GPS that tracks the prostate’s motion implants
that the rectal wall is in direct contact during radiotherapy treatment to ensure Many doctors in the U.S. and overseas
charles@ with the prostate, making it unavoidable accurate delivery of radiation. are now utilizing at least some of these
southfloridahospitalnews.com that at least a small portion of the rectum One of the spacer products that has approaches to benefit patients by minimiz-
will receive the full dose of radiation. received FDA approval is a polyethylene ing rectal toxicity during the treatment of
glycol hydrogel that fills the plane prostate cancer.
Looking for Solutions between the prostate and rectum. The
To address the issue of the rectum’s gel is injected as a liquid and solidifies Dr. Aaron Falchook is a board-certified
close proximity to the prostate during where it’s placed, creating a barrier that radiation oncologist at the Memorial
treatment, several approaches can be prevents the rectum from receiving the Healthcare System’s Memorial Cancer
considered to address the problem, high dose radiation required to kill can- Institute. Connect with them at
although some are still in the experimen- cer cells in the prostate. Patients don’t (954) 265-4325 and
THE REGION’S MONTHLY NEWSPAPER FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS & PHYSICIANS
tal phase. The use of hyaluronic acid gel experience any symptoms or discomfort www.mhs.net/services/cancer.

Improve PPatient CCare,

Meet Oncoology M
Metrics s
ip
With a VITASAT P ar tn ershr p
Hospice: a carre model tthat works,
a benefit thatt matters
Participating in CMMS’ Oncologyy Care Modeel?
ur guiding
Y our new metrics hhave been ou
standards for 40 yeears.
S for innovatiive expertisp
Partner with VIT AS se:
ns
• Goals-of-care conversation
• Advance care planning
• Improved outccomes

• imely palliatiT ive care

• Compassionat te end-of-life care

V AS.com
VIT
A
8 800.93.VIT AS

18 January 2019 southfloridahospitalnews.com South Florida Hospital News