To deal with patient immobilization, Methodist physicians use special containment boxes, each one custom made to fit a specific patient. Further customization of the fit comes from use of commercially available vacuum bags, on which the patients recline. To immobilize the prostate, physicians insert a balloon into the patient's rectum and inflate the balloon until it presses the prostate against the pelvic bone. Without the balloon in place, the prostate can move as much as 1 cm. For many men, the choice of radiation therapy or surgery often comes down to consideration of side effects.
Irradiation eliminates urinary incontinence as a post-treatment effect.
Moreover, the Peacock greatly minimizes radiation exposure to the rectum, a key factor in treatment toxicity. Radiotherapy often proves to be a good option for elderly patients and for men who have co-morbid conditions that increase surgical risk. Methodist physicians have used the Peacock system to treat a variety of cancers. However, the potential for treatment of prostate cancer led to the recent acquisition of a dedicated machine. Contact Information Copyright 2001 Methodist Health Care System, Houston, Tx.