Targeting Prostate Cancer with Advanced Technology.
The Cancer Center at MidState offers prostate cancer patients a comprehensive range of treatment options. With less invasive surgery, more precise radiation therapies, advanced chemotherapy, a team approach to care, plus a unique prostate cancer support program, we’re giving our prostate cancer patients a better chance at a good outcome.
Radioactive Seed Implantation, called brachytherapy, delivers high doses of radiation directly into the prostate gland, with smaller doses to surrounding tissues (bowel, bladder, rectum). This highly effective procedure is minimally invasive and reduces the potential for side effects including impotence. Dr. Allan Kratzer, Radiation Oncologist at MidState, has performed over 500 implants – more than anyone else in the state.
MidState was the region’s first hospital to treat prostate cancer patients with Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT). This state-of-the-art treatment delivers high doses of radiation directly to cancer cells, while sparing surrounding normal tissues. It allows safer, more accurate treatment of tumors and can be used to treat tumors that might have been considered untreatable in the past, due to their close proximity to vital organs and structures.
MidState’s Elekta SLI External Beam Radiation linear accelerator delivers higher doses of radiation to tumor sites with great precision, maximizing the likelihood of destroying cancerous tissue and minimizing damage to nearby normal tissues. Soon, we will upgrade this equipment to the Elekta Inifinity. The Infinity redefines treatment precision, speed, and control, making it the most advanced linear accelerator available.
Surgical Oncology (prostatectomy) may be required for some patients. MidState’s urologists are board certified and work collaboratively with other cancer specialists in a multidisciplinary approach to prostate cancer care.
For patients who require chemotherapy, MidState’s Outpatient Infusion Services offers patients short-term intravenous treatments, and other tests, in an easy-to-access, comfortable setting.
Prostate cancer treatment can present challenges, especially for patients who experience side effects. MidState is one of the few hospitals in the state to offer a Prostate Support Group specifically designed to help patients and their families cope with these challenges.
Ask the Experts
Do you have a question regarding a specific cancer treatment, new research that concerns you, or another topic that you’d like to learn more about? We invite you to “ask the experts” by emailing your question to asktheexpert@midstatemedical.org. We’ll publish your question along with an answer from one of our knowledgeable physicians or clinicians in a future edition of the newsletter. Click here to view the disclaimer.
Do you have a MidState doctor? Call 1 866 MMC 5678.