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Carbon Fidicial Marker, SPACEOAR Surgery & Proton Therapy

Prostate Cancer | Last Active: Nov 13, 2022 | Replies (41)
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@bens1

I looked into the proton, and the MRI guided radiotherapy. I have decided to go with the MRI guided radiotherapy, because the side effects seemed a little less than the Proton as I was told the proton can cause bowel issues. I felt a little more comfortable with the MriDian and it’s ability to stop if my prostate moved at all, which evidently is a common issue, even just lying on the table. I am also in Florida, where Orlando health has both machines so either was an option. It is a hard choice.

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Replies to "I looked into the proton, and the MRI guided radiotherapy. I have decided to go with..."
jimcinak | @jimcinak | Nov 13, 2022

Joe, I wonder if you might post links to info that helped you in your decision. Was there any data showing lower side effects from MriDan.

FWIW: Each Mayo center and their doctors make their own decisions. For example, when I got my PBT treatment at Mayo Rochester their standard for my prostate cancer was five treatments spread over two weeks (+advance prep time). At that same time Mayo Phoenix/Scottsdale was doing 5 treatments/week for ~5 weeks. There are other PBT treatment centers that use the 5X5 treatments; whether there are differences in the equipment and delivery systems I don't know.

Also, I'll say that with each PBT treatment I was positioned on the table with my legs and pelvis held in the 'mold' that they had made. I believe an xray was taken and occasionally they came and repositioned me because the xray (looking at the fiducial markers I assume) didn't have me in quite the right position.

One thing about prostate cancer is that there are enough patients that there is ongoing research and investment in evolving technologies as opposed to having a cancer that is so rare that there is little incentive for research and tech investment.
But, that also means that looking at 10 year old data on reoccurrence, long term side effects, long term QOL (Quality of Life) is difficult because the tech has kept moving.

...and I'll repeat that anyone with prostate cancer should think of their treatment choice as "knocking down" the cancer but probably not making it go away for ever. So, I say I'm in remission and hope to stay there the rest of my life (for me maybe another 20 years.

Best of luck!

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