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SRT - What is now state of the art?

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Posted 5/19/2010 3:24 PM (GMT 0)
I understand that there are several options for SRT: 3D conformal, IMRT, IGRT, proton beam. Is there a best option (most effective) for SRT? What do the best institutions use? Any help would be appreciated.
Posted 5/19/2010 4:59 PM (GMT 0)
BB,

Based on where I reside the state of the art is IMRT and IGRT. Not sure about Proton although there have been a number of posts about the subject and you can read the old posts on those. At the bottom of your signature you put no SRT, so does that mean they are not suggesting that to you after your last PSA of .31?

Michael

Posted 5/19/2010 5:17 PM (GMT 0)

BB,  A new treatment center in my area just opened and claims to have the latest.  This is a statement from their site:

Varian Trilogy Linear Accelerator for Radiation Therapy with Rapid Arc Technology.

Delivers the most precise treatment up to eight times faster than other systems.

Increased patient comfort with shorter treatment times

Posted 5/19/2010 5:44 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Michael/Carlos. Michael, hopefully I will update my signiture soon. I got a second MRI last week, Lumbar this time with gadolinium (whatever that is). This one indicates that the lesion on my spine is a benign hemangiomata. I am waiting on the results of a CT scan to confirm. If true (yipee!!!!), SRT will be back on. BB

Posted 5/19/2010 5:47 PM (GMT 0)
Hi BB-Fan I know that at Sloan-Kettering they use the IMRT machine. Hope that helps!
Lynne
Posted 5/19/2010 6:36 PM (GMT 0)

BB:

I recently finished SRT with the Varian Rapid-Arc, the process from start to finish each day was less then 15 minutes, however as with all the Radiation Therapy it was 7 weeks every day and that was exhausting.  The device is a combination of 3D-conformal and IMRT, it is very precise and causes less damage to the health tissue around the target area.  A new Proton Beam Center just opened at the Hospital of the Univerisity of PA, but after I started my treatment. 

Good luck.

Posted 5/19/2010 6:45 PM (GMT 0)
I would add to the list of options Tomotherapy -- a form of IMRT -- though I know very little about it.

http://www.urotoday.com/61/browse_categories/prostate_cancer/a_dosimetric_analysis_comparing_treatment_of_lowrisk_prostate_cancer_with_tomotherapy_versus_static_field_intensity_modulated_radiation_therapy__abstract07312009.html
Posted 5/19/2010 7:19 PM (GMT 0)
I had Tomotherapy IMRT here in Greenville, SC for my SRT
Posted 5/19/2010 7:27 PM (GMT 0)
I heard the following about proton versus photon

With photon the rays (xrays) penetrate the body and gradually get weaker the further they go in (thus it is handy they only have to go about three to four inches to reach the target.)

With proton the beam (engergized particles) behaves strangely so that it is at its strongest about three to four inches after pentration so they arrange things to match the characteristics of the beam to the location of the target.

The thought is thus that the proton beam as a result does less damage to the area that is not the target, but which the beam has to pass through to get to the target.

The proton beam is also easier to focus/aim.

There are not so many proton machines, though. (It was not an option for me in Holland)

Alfred
Posted 5/19/2010 7:54 PM (GMT 0)
BB Fan, that is great news on your MRI. I hope CT confirms as well!
Posted 5/19/2010 8:04 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks H&P. Will post when I find out.

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