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Any recommendations for SBRT provider in Central Florida

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Posted 7/14/2018 12:08 AM (GMT 0)
I would like any recommendations for SBRT providers specializing in PC treatment in Central Florida area on the east side. I met two different providers for IMRT to get some consultation and want to do the same for SBRT and HDR to get better understanding about their process and type of equipment used.
Posted 7/14/2018 12:47 AM (GMT 0)
Debra Freeman in Tampa. If you're interested in LDR-BT, John Sylvester in Lakewood Ranch.
Posted 7/14/2018 8:48 AM (GMT 0)
Dr Biagioli florida hospital https://www.floridahospital.com/doctor/matthew-carl-biagioli-md-1174793541
Posted 7/14/2018 11:05 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you for references. Subdenis, do you know if Dr Biagioli works with SBRT as well as with HDR BT?
Posted 7/15/2018 2:11 AM (GMT 0)
Serge--
Let me pipe in about Dr Biagioli. I'm pretty sure he does SBRT using Trilogy at Florida Hospital Orlando, but he's best known for HDR BT. I consulted with him a few months ago for salvage IMRT and he impressed the socks off me. Answered all my questions directly and in great detail, backed up his recommendations by referring to the latest studies, gave me plenty of time. If I'd opted to have the treatment done in Florida (I decided to stay closer to home), I would gladly have done it with him.
That said, I think you're right to seek out HDR BT specialists. As TA suggests, Debra Freeman is the gold standard in central Florida.
--Richard.
Posted 7/15/2018 9:30 AM (GMT 0)
Serge I am not sure about that but suspect he does. I tried looking it up online and could not find anything. But they do SBRT at Florida hospital where he is the department chair. I bet he does do it.
Posted 7/15/2018 3:01 PM (GMT 0)
Brachytherapy and external beam are different skill sets. I doubt he does both.
Posted 7/15/2018 3:05 PM (GMT 0)

Subdenis said...
....I bet he does do it.

I think highly of Dr. B, and he may do SBRT, but it's not his specialty, expertise, or passion. That was the request.

Another recommendation for Debra Freeman, who is an expert at SBRT, and is an outstanding person.
Posted 7/15/2018 4:09 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Garyi,

Do you know if Dr Debra Freeman only works in Naples, FL? This is kind too far for me and take 5 hours driving one way. Do you know if she works in Tampa? I also heard that Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville has SBRT machine. Do you know any RO specializing in PC treatment in this clinic?
Posted 7/15/2018 4:23 PM (GMT 0)
Unfortunately Debra doesn't go on the road, and I don't have any first hand information on Mayo Jax RO's. But calling and/or getting an appointment with Mayo Jax, should help you find their most SBRT experienced radiation oncologist...if one exists. I have found the clinic to be most forthright.

Good luck!
Posted 7/15/2018 4:37 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you for some referrals. I will continue my research.
Posted 7/15/2018 4:56 PM (GMT 0)
Debra Freeman is in Tampa.

www.cyberknifetampabay.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&catid=22:medical-staff&id=87:sandra-sha
Posted 7/15/2018 7:08 PM (GMT 0)
Tampa is much closer, still 3 hours of driving but will go for it, if I do not find any good RO SBRT center in Daytona beach area.
Posted 7/15/2018 7:15 PM (GMT 0)

SergeFL said...
Tampa is much closer, still 3 hours of driving but will go for it, if I do not find any good RO SBRT center in Daytona beach area.


What many of us have emphasized:

Putting up a shingle that says CyberKnife or SBRT is relatively easy.
But expertise in treating prostate cancer with this technology doesn't come with the shingle. You need a really experienced team for the planning and the execution.

You only have one chance at this!
Posted 7/15/2018 7:31 PM (GMT 0)
Found interesting website for Cyberknife centers, just enter zip code and miles:

http://www.cyberknife.com/locations

As I understand there are other providers for SBRT other then Cyberknife.
Posted 7/15/2018 8:20 PM (GMT 0)
Last year one the docs who helped me at the Cleveland Clinic left for the Miami Cancer Institute at Baptist Health. Rupesh Kotecha worked with Kevin Stephans on my SBRT. I'm not sure of the radiation platforms used there at Miami, but if I recall, the gang at CC were impressed with where Kotecha was going and all the shiny new equipment at his disposal. If that's more convenient for you, it might be worth some research. BTW, I thought Rupesh was top notch. All the best to you!
Posted 7/15/2018 8:45 PM (GMT 0)
Serge-

Not only is CK not the only platform for SBRT, it also does not mean they use CK for prostate cancer just because they have CK. Many use it for other kinds of cancers. It was originally developed for brain tumors because of the sub-millimeter accuracy.
Posted 7/16/2018 12:22 AM (GMT 0)
Miami is over 5 hours of drive from me and is not an option, Tampa is 2.5 hours and it can make sense to check them first if I do not find anyone closer. Tall Allen, I understand that SBRT is used for many different cancers and I will be looking for SBRT facility specializing in PC treatment. If I can find such place in Orlando it would be the best.
Posted 7/16/2018 1:08 AM (GMT 0)
Serge--
Maybe schedule a consult with Dr. Freeman -- it's worth the one-time drive -- and ask her if there's anyone closer to Daytona whom she'd recommend. If nothing else, you'll learn a lot from her about SBRT and its appropriateness for you.
Posted 7/16/2018 6:28 AM (GMT 0)
I have a friend who lives in Orlando and was treated by Dr Freeman. I think he found a cheap motel and only drove a few times.
Posted 7/16/2018 12:10 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Serge , I have been 2 yrs out from SBRT . Doing well . When I joined this great group I initially had thought about surgery . But doing my due diligence , SBRT became my main target . I live in Illinois . Dr. Debra Freeman was on the top of my list . I faxed her all my results and I called her and had a phone conversation . She was amazing . She said she would be glad to treat me but there was a top notch RO right in my back yard . Dr . Arica Hirsch . So I stayed in town and Illinois Cyberknife , Dr. Hirsch , and her team treated me . I had heard so many good things about Dr. Freeman as she was my first choice . Wishing you the best . SemperFi , John
Posted 7/16/2018 5:08 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you for all valuable inputs. I think it make sense to meet with Dr. Debra Freeman and just to rent motel for the treatment period or listen for recommendations.
Posted 7/16/2018 6:10 PM (GMT 0)
Serge, I think that’s a smart decision. Dr. Freeman is clearly one of the best. A little driving and time in a motel seems a small price to pay to seek out the best. Good for you.

Jim
Posted 7/16/2018 8:16 PM (GMT 0)
Serge , Dr. Freeman is one of the best in her field . Do not be afraid to lose time from work , or the cost of lodging . This is done 1 time . I would of traveled to Alaska if needed . You wqill be in good hands . JJ
Posted 8/29/2018 10:24 PM (GMT 0)
Unfortunately, Dr. Freeman is "out of coverage area" for my insurance and second choice option for HDR Brachy Dr. Biagioli, or Dr. Kunal Saigal are not in network, so I am left with one option for radiation therapy is local doctor specializing in prostate treatment (700+ procedures) IGRT. I have appointment tomorrow with Dr. Pirkowski at Southeast Regional Prostate Cancer Treatment Center and wonder what specific questions I should ask. I read question list for SBRT treatment, but if somebody can assist with more specific question then this will be great help for visit tomorrow.
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