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Recurrent prostate cancer after 7 years
Prostate Cancer | Last Active: Sep 17, 2025 | Replies (14)Comment receiving replies
@whatthef
I would also look at specific photon therapy that uses a built in MRI such as the Mridian or the Elekta Unity (vs fused images with Proton or other types of machines). Proton and other types of radiation machines generally use 3-5 margins versus an MRI guided photon radiation machine that has a real time built in MRI which allows the doctors to treat what they see in real time so the margins can be smaller (2 mm). I have not had a biological re-occurrence but I would make the same choice again, even if I had BCR and the radiologist was treating another area. Larger margins means more healthy tissue exposure and potential side effects and quality of life issues.
I would also add, that if there was a Proton machine that had a built in MRI, I would have chosen it. Because the proton machine does not have the safety features built into the MRI guided machines, the experience with Proton, as has been written on this web site, is different. Movement is a carefully choreographed issue.
I never had ADT.
Replies to "@whatthef I would also look at specific photon therapy that uses a built in MRI such..."
Actually, proton radiation has advantages. You don’t mention it’s not just the Margins it’s that they can centralize on specific tissue and don’t touch surrounding tissues.
Protons deposit most of their energy at the end of their path, a phenomenon called the Bragg peak, before stopping completely. This allows radiation oncologists to deliver a high dose of radiation directly to the tumor and then have the radiation cease, avoiding unnecessary exposure to healthy tissues.
Proton beams can be precisely shaped to conform to the exact contours of the prostate tumor, which is crucial for accurate cancer control and protecting nearby organs.
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Thank you I’ll check it out…. The proton therapy is IMPT. Kinda new and very precise. Pencil thin and no access. The area I need radiation is in the retro aortic lymph node. Surrounded by organs etc. I am a little familiar with the MRI guided therapy… Also very precise and again not every facility has that particular equipment but thank you for all your input. You’ve been great..