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Spring Survey 2012 Results

Radiation Treatment for Prostate Cancer

PROGRAM DETAILS:

Radiation is one of the primary treatments for prostate cancer. In this Patient Power program, sponsored by The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Dr. Deborah Kuban discusses the various types of radiation and how they are used to treat prostate cancer. Dr. Kuban is a radiation oncologist and professor of radiation oncology at M. D. Anderson.

Dr. Kuban’s patient, Doug, begins the program by sharing his story. About 5 years ago, around age 63, prostate cancer was discovered when Doug was having a work up prior to heart valve replacement surgery. His cardiologist immediately referred him to M. D. Anderson where Doug met Dr. Kuban. He had radiation treatment and is doing very well today. Listen or read the transcript to learn more about Doug’s story.

Dr. Kuban discusses Doug’s case and the factors that go into treatment decisions. She explains the different types of radiation available at M. D. Anderson such as Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) and proton therapy which is external; as well as internal radiation called brachytherapy. Dr. Kuban goes on to talk about the importance of seeking care at an experienced center. In her own words “The point that's so important to get across to patients is that it's not just the technology, it's who is using the technology and that they must go to a center where the physicians and, as you say, the physicists, the dosimetrists and the therapists who treat the patient each day are very well versed and very experienced in this treatment as well.”

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EXPERTS & GUESTS:
Debbie Kuban, M.D., F.A.C.R. Debbie Kuban, M.D., F.A.C.R.
Professor of Radiation Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center
Dr. Kuban serves as Professor of Radiation Oncology and Program Director and Section Chief of Genitourinary Radiation Oncology at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. She received her medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia in Atlanta and completed her residency training at Eastern Virginia Medical School. Dr. Kuban’s resume boasts an extensive list of achievements: she’s... more >

Douglas Messer,
Prostate Cancer Survivor
In May of 2005 Doug Messer had two heart valves replaced. During that time, his doctors tested his prostate and found prostate cancer cells that needed attention. It was diagnosed as low-risk and slow growing. Because Mr. Messer was on blood thinners, it was decided that radiation would be a better option than surgery. He was referred to Dr. Debbie... more >

TRANSCRIPT:

  1. Doug’s Story LISTEN
  2. Factors in Treatment Decisions LISTEN
  3. Radiation Treatment LISTEN
  4. Side Effects LISTEN
  5. The Future of Treatment LISTEN

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