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Spring Survey Results 2012

Proton Therapy: A new weapon in the fight against cancer

PROGRAM DETAILS:

Proton therapy is the most advanced form of radiation treatment available today. It allows for the most aggressive cancer therapy possible, while keeping harm to healthy tissue and side effects to a minimum. M. D. Anderson Proton Therapy Center opened in 2006 and Dr. James Cox, head of radiation oncology joins Andrew to discuss why this center and this treatment are so unique.

You’ll hear from two patients that were treated using proton therapy. After Walter was diagnosed with prostate cancer and a prostatectomy was recommended, he began researching other options, including brachytherapy and cryotherapy, and eventually learned of proton therapy. Walter was treated successfully and recommends this type of treatment. Suzan was also treated with proton therapy after she had a recurrence of lung cancer. Suzan discusses why this treatment was so appropriate for her and remarks about the warmth of the M. D. Anderson staff.

Dr. Cox details exactly what proton therapy is and how they’ve only just begun to exploit the potential of this type of treatment for cancer. You’ll learn why this specialized equipment is so effective, especially for those types of cancers that require a high dose of radiation for control of the tumor and that are either surrounded by or next to sensitive normal structures. After 40 years of being in the field of radiation oncology, Dr. Cox talks about why he’s so excited about the present and future of proton therapy.

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Radiology
EXPERTS & GUESTS:
James Cox, M.D.
Head, Division of Radiation Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center
Dr. Cox is Professor and Head of the Radiation Oncology Division at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. He graduated from the University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry and completed Residency Training in Therapeutic Radiology at Penrose Cancer Hospital in Colorado Springs . Dr. Cox is board certified as a Diplomate by the National Board of... more >

TRANSCRIPT:

  1. Introduction
  2. A Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer
  3. Being Treated with Proton Therapy
  4. What is Proton Therapy?
  5. Proton Therapy for Lung Cancer
  6. M. D. Anderson Proton Therapy Center
  7. Finding the Right Physician
  8. Proton Therapy After a Recurrence

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