Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in men, with a five-year survival rate of 97%. Dr. Christien Kluwe, a radiation oncologist at Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio, believes that advancements in technology and longer life expectancy among patients warrant a new approach to managing prostate cancer.
Kluwe emphasizes the importance of balancing disease control and quality of life in the treatment of prostate cancer. He raises questions about the necessity of androgen deprivation therapy for all prostate cancer patients, stating that it is essential to identify those who would benefit significantly from a decrease in testosterone levels and tailor treatment accordingly.
Kluwe is also exploring radiation techniques like stereotactic body radiation therapy as part of his research. This highly precise and powerful treatment method allows for the delivery of high doses of radiation in a shorter period, condensing an eight-week treatment regimen into just five days with minimal impact on healthy surrounding tissues. With the use of tiny pellets the size of grains of rice, radiation can be delivered directly to the cancer cells over a span of five days, sparing healthy tissues from damage.
The collaboration between TPR and The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio aims to highlight scientific advancements in medicine that have the potential to improve patient outcomes.
