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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.
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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 (805) 925-2529 to get scheduled for a consultation.
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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.
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Is SBRT done as part of a clinical trial?
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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?
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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 Santa Maria Location
Santa Maria Radiation Oncology Center
1325 Church Street
Santa Maria, CA 93454
Phone: (805) 925-2529
Fax: (805) 928-4478
Dr. Case Ketting
Dr. Ketting is a former electrical engineer and a graduate of the University of Washington School of Medicine. He completed his radiation oncology specialty training at Loma Linda University Medical Center, then returned to University of Washington as a research fellow.
Subsequently, Dr. Ketting served as Assistant Professor with Loma Linda University, then as medical director of the Jordan Family Radiation Oncology Department at St. Jude Medical Center in Fullerton, California, from 2000 through 2006. His colleagues at St. Jude voted him “Most Compassionate Physician” in 2002. Dr. Ketting has been with Coastal Radiation Oncology since 2009.
When not at work, he enjoys playing “Papa” to his twin daughters and piloting classic aircraft.
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Dr. Ketting practices at the Mission Hope Cancer Center in Santa Maria.
Dr. Jeffrey Wu
Raised in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Dr. Wu graduated cum laude from Duke University with majors in Chemistry and Biology. He received his M.D. from David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society. He remained in Los Angeles to complete an internship at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and an additional four years of dedicated radiation oncology training at UCLA. He has extensive experience in stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), and high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy for various types of cancer including tumors of the head and neck, prostate, lung, liver, breast, and other sites throughout the body.
Dr. Wu has been invited to present his research at various national and international conferences, and he has published numerous peer-reviewed articles as well as a recent book chapter on radiation therapy for elderly patients. He was also honored to serve as Chief Resident during his final year in the UCLA Medical Center Department of Radiation Oncology.
Dr. Wu practices at the Mission Hope Cancer Center in Santa Maria.
Dr. Ben Wilkinson
Dr. Ben Wilkinson is a board-certified radiation oncologist specializing in the treatment of all cancers including prostate, breast, lung, and brain tumors. He and his wife, Laurin, grew up in San Diego. After graduating high school, Dr. Wilkinson attended college at Texas Christian University and then medical school at Texas A&M College of Medicine. He completed his intern year at University of Maryland, followed by residency at William Beaumont Hospital in Michigan.
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Dr. Wilkinson has authored or co-authored over 30 peer-reviewed manuscripts, review articles, and book chapters, and has also presented his research at multiple national meetings. Dr. Wilkinson is co-chair of ASTRO’s (American Society for Radiation Oncology) Communications Committee and co-chair of ACRO’s (American College of Radiation Oncology) membership committee. He is also a board member for the Radiating Hope Foundation, a non-profit that provides radiation treatment equipment to developing countries including Panama, Senegal, and Nepal.
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In his local community, he and his family are actively involved in their church, where Dr. Wilkinson has previously taught an anatomy and physiology co-op class and enjoys attending Bible Study Fellowship (BSF). Dr. Wilkinson and his wife are blessed to have three young daughters (Brinkley, Elley, and Natalie) and are very happy to call the Central Coast home.
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Dr. Wilkinson practices at the Mission Hope Cancer Center in Santa Maria and at the Lompoc Radiation Oncology Center.
