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Prostate Cancer: Precise Targeting Methods During Radiation Therapy

PROGRAM DETAILS:

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting American men today. In fact, it is the second leading cause of death, followed by lung cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates that during 2008, approximately 186,320 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed. Joining this Patient Power program is Mike Mckelheer who unfortunately found himself part of this frightening statistic after a routine physical. Similar to many prostate cancer patients, Mike was in complete shock after hearing the diagnosis. Thankfully, with a team of well-versed experts and a strong network of family and friends, Mike became optimistic after hearing about Calypso GPS for the Body®, an instrument landing guidance system that moves with the prostate with precise targeting features.

The major mechanisms of the Calypso GPS System® are referred to as implanted Beacon® electromagnetic transponders, each being about the size of a grain of rice. Prior to the delivery of radiation therapy treatments, three Beacon® transponders are implanted in the patient’s prostate. These Beacons work alongside with the two other main components, the Calypso System and the 4D Tracking Station™, in order to accurately locate the tumor in the prostate during radiation treatments. Here to shed light on this unique new treatment is, Dr. Kenneth Russell, professor of radiation oncology and a prostate specialist at the University of Washington Medical Center and at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. Dr. Russell is also medical director for Calypso and has extensive knowledge and expertise with this powerful technology. In this Patient Power program, Dr. Russell gives the audience a full understanding of GPS for the Body® and what its doing for prostate cancer patients. He describes Calypso GPS for the Body® as giving patients a snapshot of what occurs just before treatment, while providing a continuous real-time picture of what's going on during treatment.

You will not want to miss this discussion with Dr. Russell on how these future technologies are allowing patients to make informed decisions after a serious diagnosis. Learn about factors in making treatment decisions, who should receive higher doses of radiation, the importance of exploring options with an expert and how this technology may be used to fight other cancers. Hear more about Mike’s story of being diagnosed with prostate cancer and how he made history by being the first patient to receive the Calypso treatment. In Mike’s own words, “I found the Calypso, the Calypso didn’t find me.”

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EXPERTS & GUESTS:
Ken Russell, M.D. Ken Russell, M.D.
Clinical Chief of Radiation Oncology, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance
Dr. Russell is Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology at the University of Washington Medical Center, as well as Medical Director of Radiation Oncology at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. This prostate cancer and lymphoma specialist has been listed as one of “Seattle’s Best Doctors” since 1996, and he is board certified in therapeutic radiology. Dr. Russell received his medical degree from... more >

Mike Mckelheer,
Prostate Cancer Patient
Mike Mckelheer was diagnosed with prostate cancer in September 2007, during a routine physical. Similar to many prostate cancer patients, Mike was in complete shock after hearing the diagnosis. As a water sports designer, fly-fish guide, quality control technician and an avid skier, Mike thought he would be the last person to be diagnosed with such a terrible disease. Thankfully,... more >

TRANSCRIPT:

  1. Introduction LISTEN
  2. Mike’s Story of Being Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer LISTEN
  3. What is GPS for the Body®? LISTEN
  4. Deciding Factors for Treatment LISTEN
  5. Who Should Receive Higher Doses of Radiation? LISTEN
  6. Mapping the Internal Anatomy with CT Scans LISTEN
  7. Importance of Exploring Options with an Expert LISTEN
  8. What Questions Should Patients be Asking? LISTEN
  9. Can GPS for the Body be used to Fight Other Cancers? LISTEN
  10. Taking Advantage of Available Resources LISTEN

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