There is good news for men in our area battling prostate cancer today, as well as those who may face the disease in the future. InterCommunity Cancer Center (ICCC), a leading provider of advanced radiation therapy in Lady Lake, Fla., recently expanded its treatment offering with the addition of SpaceOAR® hydrogel, an exciting new advancement in the treatment of prostate cancer. SpaceOAR is used during treatment with the Calypso® 4D Localization System to help clinicians avoid exposing healthy tissues and organs surrounding the prostate to radiation, potentially minimizing treatment side effects which can be very troubling to patients. ICCC is the only cancer center in Lake, Sumter and Marion counties offering SpaceOAR hydrogel.
SpaceOAR (OAR stands for “organ at risk”) reduces rectal injury in men receiving prostate cancer radiation therapy by acting as a spacer between the prostate and rectum. Filled with hydrogel, the spacer is positioned in place during a minimally invasive procedure, pushing the rectum away from the prostate so the cancerous tissue can be treated without exposing surrounding tissues and organs to high dose radiation. The spacer, which provides up to 1.2 cm of space between the rectum and the prostate, remains in position for three months while the patient receives treatment. It is then absorbed and eliminated in the patient’s urine, leaving nothing behind.
Clinical trials in Europe and the U.S. demonstrated that SpaceOAR protected quality of life for prostate cancer patients by significantly reducing the radiation delivered to the rectum, minimizing urinary, sexual and bowel side effects.1 SpaceOAR is very safe and much like other products commonly used in brain surgery, cardiology and ophthalmology.
The other advanced technology in use at ICCC for prostate cancer is the Calypso 4D Localization System, also known as “GPS for the Body® technology.” This unique radiation targeting technology enables precision guided treatment by continuously monitoring prostate motion during each radiation therapy session.
The Calypso System lets the clinician know exactly where the tumor is at all times during treatment. This enables precise targeting of the radiation beam and higher therapeutic doses of radiation, driving the potential for safer and more effective treatment.
Radiation targeting is optimized while exposure to healthy surrounding tissue is minimized, reducing side effects such as impotence, incontinence and rectal bleeding.
Prior to treatment, three transponders, each about the size of a grain of rice, are implanted in the patient’s prostate in a simple outpatient procedure. The transponders use radiofrequency waves to communicate with the Calypso 4D Localization System. During treatment, the transponders continuously transmit their location to the Calypso System, tracking prostate movement and showing the clinician exactly where the target is at all times.
Calypso represents a major advancement in prostate treatment. Body movement from breathing and normal movement of the organs in the body can change the location of a tumor during treatment. Thanks to Calypso’s ability to enable pinpoint accuracy, radiation exposure to surrounding tissue can be minimized.
“SpaceOAR hydrogel and Calypso technology have greatly improved the quality of life for our prostate patients,” said David Catalano, M.D., Medical Director and Radiation Oncologist at ICCC. “These technologies help minimize treatment side effects that can be extremely disturbing and difficult to live with, severely impacting the patient’s lifestyle. It is exciting to bring these advanced technologies to our community and very rewarding to see so many of our prostate patients getting back to a normal life after treatment.”
For more information about the advanced treatments for prostate cancer offered by InterCommunity Cancer Center, please visit LadyLakeCancerCenter.com.
ABOUT INTERCOMMUNITY
CANCER CENTER
InterCommunity Cancer Center (ICCC) has more than 30 years of experience providing quality, personalized cancer care in the Lady Lake and Leesburg communities and has treated more than 10,000 patients. Medical Director and Radiation Oncologist Dr. David J. Catalano has expertise in treating breast, lung, prostate, gynecologic, skin and other cancers.
ICCC is an affiliate of The US Oncology Network (“The Network”). This collaboration unites ICCC with more than 1,400 independent physicians dedicated to delivering value-based, integrated care for patients — close to home. Through The Network, these independent doctors come together to form a community of shared expertise and resources dedicated to advancing local cancer care and to delivering better patient outcomes. The US Oncology Network is supported by McKesson Specialty Health, whose coordinated resources and infrastructure allow doctors in The Network to focus on the health of their patients, while McKesson focuses on the health of their practices. For more information, visit www.usoncology.com.
(352) 674-6300
www.ladylakecancercenter.com
1 https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170926006498/en/
Check Also
The Healing Power of Holiday Traditions
The holiday season is a time of celebration, warmth, and connection. Beyond the festive decorations, …