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MRIdian Viewray Experience
Making a decision related to which radiation machine one uses seems to be something that does not get a lot of discussion by urologists and radiation oncologists in terms of the differences, other than their success with the machine they use. I chose the MRIdian Viewray. There are multiple choices with different capability and toxicity risks.
I had my first treatment, out of 5, on January 31. I had spaceoar gel inserted. The machine is both a radiation and MRI built into one unit. They can see healthy tissue and the cancer in real time and adjust accordingly using the machines dynamic mapping capability, if necessary. They used 2 mm margins based on a recent randomized trial called Mirage. The machine turns off automatically if your internals move and the radiation goes outside the mapped out area. No pain or real side effects after the first treatment. Second treatment is on Friday. My prostate cancer is contained within the prostate and I am almost 70 with Gleason 3+4 on one core and 3+3 on another. Psa was 10.2.
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Thank you for your reply re your treatment with Mridian. Your PSA appears to have gove below 1 which apprears to be according to expectations.
I have had PSA scores fluctuate recently.
Prior to your treatment, did you have an Oncocyte DNA score that also risen that confirmed an
"aggressive nature" to your prostate?
Thanks.
Ztevpr8: I did not have the Oncocyte DNA score Test. I had the decipher test which is used consistently by doctors to evaluate prostate cancer treatments and that score was low risk for spread. I also had the. MyRisk Genetic test which tests for 50+ types of genes, in case I needed to have a discussion with my sons and daughters related to potential cancer in the future.
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1 ReactionAlthough I'm not familiar with the genetic tests you took, it appears that they all measure the profile - risks of growth and aggressive nature of the cells.
Although my PSA has gone below 6 from the prior 7.6, my other tests project a concern for the aggressive nature of the cells.
Your treatment appears to be successful and that is wonderful.
I have not had any other discussions regarding the need for any other supplemental treatment such as ADT or other.
Thank you for your sharing.
Wishing you all the best.
@sparkyswife, welcome. Have you or someone you care about been diagnosed with prostate cancer?
Thank you. Yes, my husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2015 and has been doing Active Surveillance, but now there’s been a change and he will have to have Radiation and Hormone therapy, so we’re trying to learn as much as we can in order to make good decisions about where to get the treatment and what type of Radiation. I’m very thankful to learn about this group. I know it’s probably the group no one wants to be in, but we’re stronger together by sharing information and helping each other. Thanks for adding me.
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1 ReactionI'm glad you found the group. Don't be afraid to ask questions.
Also, you can go to the Prostate Cancer support group main page here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/prostate-cancer/
And then type search terms into the search bar to find discussions related to your questions. It's quite possible someone has already asked and been answered.
I don't know where you live, but I suggest you contact UFHPTI in Jacksonville, FL, a Proton Therapy Institute. They have an online form to fill out that will get you an information packet delivered by Fedex in a couple of days at no charge. This will allow you to begin your research into Proton Therapy, which can be found at many Proton Therapy centers here in the U.S. and around the world. I am just finishing up proton therapy for prostate cancer here in Jacksonville. I will have had 29 sessions over 5 weeks. Many urologists and even oncologists do not talk about proton therapy or offer it to their patients. Some insurances will freely pay for it, while others will go through a denial and appeals process. If you have Traditional Medicare, they pay for proton therapy. There are many patients here I have met who are taking Proton Therapy along with hormone therapy. Good luck.