UCLA Journal of Radiation Oncology January 1, 2022 - Flipbook - Page 26
UCLA RADIATION ONCOLOGY JOURNAL
GENETICS & TECHNOLOGY:
IMPROVING RADIATION TREATMENT
FOR PROSTATE CANCER
"Prostate cancer responds very well to a higher daily dose radiation
delivered precisely and with expertise," says UCLA Health's Dr. Amar U. Kishan
I
tâs a part of the annual physical most men dread. But as unpleasant as it may be, the
prostate examination is essential: Cancer of the walnut-size gland is one of the most
prevalent forms of the disease, killing nearly 35,000 men in the United States each
year.
Radiation therapy is an effective, standard of care option for prostate cancer both
as an initial treatment and for recurrence after surgery. However, the treatment has
historically involved a long course, with a standard regimen often requiring low doses
per day over as many as 45 visits.
Though radiation therapy is considered safe overall, there is always a small chance of
significant urinary or bowel side effects after radiation. These risks are thought to be
related to technical nuances â the prostate is a moving target that can be difficult to see
clearly with standard, X-ray-based imaging. There also are biological factors â whether a
patient is sensitive to radiation.
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