SBRT Treatment for Prostate Cancer
There are several excellent treatment options for men diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. Some involve a surgical procedure, while others can be done without undergoing general anesthesia or being admitted to a hospital.
Non-invasive treatments for Prostate Cancer include standard radiation therapy (daily treatments over six to eight weeks) or a new form of radiation done over a much shorter period of time called Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT, also called SABR or Stereotactic Ablative Radiation Therapy).
Treatment
SBRT/SABR is an ultra-precise form of radiation therapy that allows doctors to deliver the equivalent of several weeks of cancer treatment in as little as one week. This is possible because of advances in linear accelerators the equipment available to deliver radiation therapy. Because of the complex blocking and computer-guided treatment planning, radiation oncologists are able to design safe and precise treatments that deliver a higher, more effective radiation dose to the prostate during each treatment session.
Advantages
Some of the potential advantages of SBRT:
FAQs
Who is eligible?
Men who have prostate cancer, with a Gleason Score of 6 or 7. The patient’s PSA must be less than 15 mg/ml, and there should be no evidence of lymph node or bone involvement.
What is the success rate?
The success rate is 92% or greater. Early results suggest that SBRT is as effective as, and likely more effective than, standard radiation therapy.
Does SBRT make you sick?
No, it is generally well-tolerated. Some side effects that can occur are:
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Tiredness
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Mild irritation of the bladder and rectum, which can lead to increased urinary and rectal urgency and frequency.
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Long-term, patients can sometimes see blood in the urine or stool, but rarely have rectal pain as the prostate heals after treatment.
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Rectal symptoms can be significantly reduced if a gel spacer is used.
How would I learn more about SBRT?
The best way to find out more about this exciting treatment is to make an appointment with a Radiation Oncologist who is experienced in treating the prostate with this technique. Fill out the form below or call (831) 758-2724 to get scheduled for a consultation.
What steps are required to get started with SBRT:
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Consultation with a Radiation Oncologist who specializes in SBRT.
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Placement of fiducial markers inside the prostate for accurate targeting. We also recommend inserting a temporary gel spacer between the prostate and rectum.
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CT simulation when a cast will be made of your lower legs to help stay in the same place during treatment.
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SBRT usually begins 1 ½ to 2 weeks after your simulation.
Is SBRT done as part of a clinical trial?
Stereotactic radiotherapy to the prostate has been offered successfully for many years and is considered one of the standard of care options to treat prostate cancer in the United States. Our centers have access to the GU-005 SBRT trial that compares SBRT to moderately hypofractionated regular radiation therapy given over six weeks. If you are interested in clinical research, ask your doctor if you are eligible for the GU-005 clinical trial.
What should I expect after SBRT treatments?
We will instruct you regarding care for any potential side effects after treatment. You will have a follow-up in our clinic to assess treatment response, monitor and treat any delayed side-effects, and receive recommendation regarding any potentially beneficial treatments in the future.
SBRT Prostate Treatment Team Salinas Location
Salinas Radiation Oncology Center
1069 Los Palos Drive
Salinas, California 93901
Phone: (831) 758-2724
Fax: (831) 758-1531
Dr. Kenneth Biehl
Dr. Kenneth Biehl is a board certified radiation oncologist who received his BS in mathematics from Brigham Young University and his MD from the Washington University School of Medicine. He completed an internship in Internal Medicine St. Mary’s Health Center in Saint Louis, MO and a fellowship in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Washington University. Dr. Biehl holds memberships in the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, and the American Radium Society. Dr. Biehl has published articles in national and international journals on treatment for female malignancies, lung cancer, head and neck cancer and DNA repair mechanisms.
Dr. Biehl has presented research at in Europe and North America and was the winner of the European Society for Therapeutic Radiation and Oncology young researcher award for work in advancing treatment for cervical and endometrial cancer. Dr. Biehl lives with his wife and three children in Salinas, California where he enjoys coaching his daughter’s softball team, working with the Boy Scouts of America, trail running, mountain biking, and surfing. Dr. Biehl is fluent in Spanish. (Habla Español.)
Dr. Biehl practices at Coastal Radiation Oncology Medical Group’s Salinas Radiation Oncology Center located in Salinas, California.
Dr. Jacob Andrade
Dr. Andrade graduated from the UCSD Jacobs School of Engineering with a degree in bioengineering. During his undergraduate studies he received an NIH Scholars fellowship in which he investigated the role of bone marrow cells in cardiac repair. He attended medical school at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. During medical school he served as chair of the local USC Chapter of the Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA). He also served as vice president of mentorship for the LMSA Western Region including California, Washington, Arizona, Utah and New Mexico.
As part of his medical school training he also completed a doctorate degree in genetic, molecular, and cellular biology. His main focus was to study the role of radiation in preparing the bone marrow micro environment for cell transplantation. He was also active in the study of adult hematopoietic cells and the ability to regenerate various organ systems. He has published several national and international peer-reviewed journal articles on this subject.
Dr. Andrade completed an internship in Internal Medicine at the UCSF Fresno Medical Education Program. He completed his radiation oncology residency at the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center where he served as Chief Resident. He also received a resident seed grant from the American College of Radiation Oncology to investigate the combination of immunotherapy and radiotherapy in treatment of skin cancers.
Dr. Andrade is a member of the American Society of Therapeutic Radiation Oncology (ASTRO), the American College of Radiation Oncology (ACRO) and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). He has experience in a variety of radiotherapy techniques including intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), image guided radiation therapy (IGRT), stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), and high-dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy for gynecologic, prostate, and breast malignancies.
Dr. Andrade is a native Spanish speaker and practices at Coastal Radiation Oncology Group’s Salinas Radiation Oncology Center located in Salinas, California.
