By being better able to target the tumor, the radiation oncologist can increase the radiation dose, Dr. Enke said, which results in improved cancer control. The standard dose for treating prostate cancer is 6800 to 7000 centigray. With BAT, the radiation oncologist can safely deliver 7500 centigray of radiation. AWithout BAT, you are putting the patient at greater potential risk for a variety of health problems such as bladder and rectal injury. ABAT allows us to reach those doses with greater safety.
Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer found in American men, other than skin cancer.
The American Cancer Society predicts there will be about 180,400 new cases of prostate cancer in the U.S. in 2000. About 31,900 men will die of the disease this year. More than eight out of 10 men with prostate cancer are over the age of 65. AEach BAT localization takes 5 to 7 minutes, which is immediately followed by the radiation treatment. Patients typically receive daily treatments on weekdays over the course of an eight-week period.