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Radiation therapy, also known as radiotherapy, is extremely effective at treating and curing early stage prostate cancer. It is non-invasive, performed in an outpatient setting and, overall, is quite well-tolerated by patients. One significant drawback is the length of treatment. Thanks to ongoing technology advances, shorter treatment schedules are becoming the new standard of care for prostate cancer.
Radiation, which involves the use of high energy x-ray beams to destroy tumor cells, is usually delivered in one or more “fractions” or treatments. For the last several years, external beam radiotherapy for prostate cancer has consisted of once-daily treatment for approximately nine weeks, which can be extremely inconvenient for patients.
Hypofractionation is the use of radiotherapy at a smaller number of fractions but at a higher dose, made possible by modern equipment with advanced imaging capabilities.
Recent clinical trials have demonstrated that moderate hypofractionation_the use of shorter treatment schedules, one daily for five weeks_results in similar positive outcomes with no additional side effects. An added benefit? It also reduces cost to the patient.
Overall, side effects from prostate cancer treatment with radiotherapy are usually minimal and temporary. The most common side effects include fatigue, urinary frequency or urgency, diarrhea, rectal tenderness or irritation and the possibility of impotence (or erectile dysfunction).
Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute’s Ocala Cancer Center utilizes Align RT™, premier surface guided radiation technology. This non-invasive technique helps to position and monitor patients during radiation treatment with sub-millimeter accuracy, which allows clinicians to deliver treatment with great precision and without the need for any permanent marks or skin tattoos.
WORLD-CLASS CANCER TREATMENT, CLOSE TO HOME
About Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, LLC:
(FLCancer.com)
Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) offers patients access to more clinical trials than any private oncology practice in Florida. The majority of new cancer drugs recently approved for use in the U.S. were studied in clinical trials with FCS participation.* Recognized for our research, FCS is a recipient of the national Clinical Trials Participation Award presented by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). FCS physicians, trained in prestigious medical schools and research institutes, are consistently ranked nationally as Top Doctors by U.S. News & World Report.
Founded in 1984, FCS has built a national reputation for excellence that is reflected in exceptional and compassionate patient care, driven by innovative clinical research, cutting-edge technologies and advanced treatments, including targeted therapies, genomic-based treatment and immunotherapy. Our highest values are embodied by our outstanding team of highly trained and dedicated physicians, clinicians and staff.
*Prior to approval
Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute
1630 SE 18th St, Ste 602
Ocala, FL 34471-5472
4945 SW 49th Pl
Ocala, FL 34474-9673
For more information, visit FLCancer.com