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Urology (Expert Forum)
How to Find High-Dose Radiation Treatment for Prostate Cancer
Questions in the Urology forum are answered by Dr. Stephen Liroff, affiliated with the Henry Ford Hospital. Topics covered include benign prostate disease, penis curvature, cystisis, kidney stones, pediatric urology, prostate, sexual dysfunction, urinary tract infections (UTI), and urological cancers.
How to Find High-Dose Radiation Treatment for Prostate Cancer
by Joe, Aug 13, 1999 12:00AM
In a 1995 article in Fortune magazine, Andy Grove (the CEO of Intel at the time) described a high dose radiation treatment for prostate cancer, but I can't locate any source of such treatment on the Web. (The URL of the article is: http://www.pathfinder.com/@@tIT50AcAj1XwPTK2/fortune/magazine/1996/960513/cover1.html)
Can you tell me were such treatment can be obtained?
Thanks.
Joe
Can you tell me were such treatment can be obtained?
Thanks.
Joe
Doctor's Answer
by hfhs M.D.-AK, Sep 02, 1999 12:00AM
Dear Joe,
I'm not sure about the type of radiation that was described by Mr. Grove, and I would say that most radiation oncology centers offer pretty standard radiation protocols. Unless of course, the protocol was a part of a study. Recent data shows that the use of 3D conformal radiation, allows for higher doses of radiation to be delivered to the tumor without additional toxicity to the late-reacting normal tissues. Forman et al 1993 have demonstrated that doses upto 7800 cGy can be given safely and effectively.
There are two ways to deliver radiation to the prostate, external beam radiation, and brachy therapy (seeds). External beam radiation is further broken down into, 3D conformal therapy and conventional . The 3D conformal therapy is designed to follow a CT scan based map of the prostate. In theory, 3D conformal radiation reduces the complication associated with external beam radiation.
Acute side effects of radiation to the pelvis are generally self-limited. They include diarrhea, rectal irritation, burning while urinating, and urinary frequency. An overall complication rate of 5% or less can be expected with external beam radiation of the prostate below 7000 cGy.
I know I have not answered your question directly, but if you consulted a radiation oncologist, they might be able to answer your question pertaining to this specific protocol.
_____________________________________
I'm not sure about the type of radiation that was described by Mr. Grove, and I would say that most radiation oncology centers offer pretty standard radiation protocols. Unless of course, the protocol was a part of a study. Recent data shows that the use of 3D conformal radiation, allows for higher doses of radiation to be delivered to the tumor without additional toxicity to the late-reacting normal tissues. Forman et al 1993 have demonstrated that doses upto 7800 cGy can be given safely and effectively.
There are two ways to deliver radiation to the prostate, external beam radiation, and brachy therapy (seeds). External beam radiation is further broken down into, 3D conformal therapy and conventional . The 3D conformal therapy is designed to follow a CT scan based map of the prostate. In theory, 3D conformal radiation reduces the complication associated with external beam radiation.
Acute side effects of radiation to the pelvis are generally self-limited. They include diarrhea, rectal irritation, burning while urinating, and urinary frequency. An overall complication rate of 5% or less can be expected with external beam radiation of the prostate below 7000 cGy.
I know I have not answered your question directly, but if you consulted a radiation oncologist, they might be able to answer your question pertaining to this specific protocol.
_____________________________________
Member Comments
by Burt Masnick, Sep 21, 1999 12:00AM
To: Prostate Cancer
0