According to the American Cancer Society, one out of every six men in our area was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2009. Like Ted Hall, these men have to decide on the right treatment option for them.
"Today, patients have a number of options, including active surveillance, which calls for regular PSA tests, rectal exams, and ultrasounds to see if the cancer is growing," explains Robert Smith, M.D., a board certified urologist affiliated with Riverview Medical Center. "Or they may be better candidates for radiation therapy, surgical removal, or hormone therapy. Age, stage of the disease, and underlying health issues all play a role in determining the most appropriate course of treatment."
In Ted's case, his doctors recommended treatment rather than active surveillance. After consulting with Dr. Smith, he chose CyberKnife radiosurgery over traditional radiation because it meant just five treatments, rather than the 42 needed for traditional radiation therapy. It was also less invasive than surgery.
Ted suffered a stroke in 2002 that left him paralyzed on his left side, so comfort and convenience played a role in his decision process. But so did accuracy and results.
"I researched what CyberKnife can do, and I was amazed to find that it was so precise, it could treat an area equivalent to the diameter of a human hair," Ted, now 70, explains. "That type of precision appealed to me."
"The CyberKnife System's subcentimeter accuracy allows a high dose of radiation to treat the prostate gland while sparing the surrounding organs," explains Adnan Danish, M.D., a board certified radiation oncologist and director of the CyberKnife Center at Riverview Medical Center. "Only a fraction of the beams will pass through any point in those normal structures."
And for Ted, the overall experience surpassed his expectations. "It as so relaxing -- they even played '50s music for me during my treatment sessions!" recalls Ted. "And the entire team, while very professional and competent, showed such compassion during my treatment. They were all just excellent."
About the Doctors
Adnan F. Danish, M.D.
Board certified in Radiation Oncology
Red Bank | 732-530-2468
Robert C. Smith, M.D.
Board certified in Urology
Red Bank | 732-741-5923
