Radiation First, Then Seed Implant

Thursday, January 1, 2004

Radiation First, Then Seed Implant: More Ammunition to Support this Sequence in the Treatment of Prostate Cancer

Perhaps the most contested issue in the combination of external beam radiation with radioactive seed implant treatment for prostate cancer has been the order in which the two therapies are delivered. There have been strong opinions on both sides. With the recent publication of “Increased Expression of PSA mRNA During Brachytherapy in Peripheral Blood of Patients with Prostate Cancer” in the journal Urology (Urology 60:270-275, 2002) compelling evidence now exists to put the issue to rest. The authors cite a 25-patient study in which peripheral blood was collected before, during and after brachytherapy. Twenty-three of these patients were tested negative for circulating prostate tumor cells (by using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis) prior to brachytherapy. Fifteen of those men (65%) turned positive during or after the brachytherapy. Eight of the participants developed a rising serum PSA following brachytherapy. Only one man did not have a PSA mRNA expression in the peripheral blood before, during or after brachytherapy.

These findings strongly suggest that the process of brachytherapy itself leads to the shedding of prostate cells into the bloodstream, dramatically increasing the risk of metastatic deposits and systemic failure, as measured by serum PSA levels.

Michael Dattoli, MD has always theorized that the insertion of brachytherapy needles into a tumor site had the potential to introduce cancerous cells into the bloodstream. This latest Urology publication has now quantified this theory.

In developing his highly successful radiation-then-seeds protocol, Dattoli has utilized IMRT radiation to not only defeat the active cancer cells within the prostate, but to in essence, sterilize the surrounding field. This approach serves to create a barrier beyond which any brachytherapy “liberated” cancer cells are not likely to survive.

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WHAT OUR PATIENTS SAY ABOUT US

"With a rising PSA and Gleason 6, I chose to put my care in the hands of the Dattoli team, undergoing IMRT and brachytherapy. Two years down the road and 74 seeds later I'm back in the pilot’s seat and flying the newest birds in the fleet – the Boeing 777s. It is important – it’s imperative - to look at every option and get yourself to the very best treatment center you can find.”

“My aggressive treatment at the Dattoli Center has given me a new appreciation for life. I suffer no ill effects from the combination treatment, but I admit that I am a “changed man.” I'm a vocal advocate for prostate cancer education and screening, especially in the African-American community. Now, I rarely miss an opportunity to race a sailboat. It is a feeling of “euphoria,” one that I savor as often as possible.”

In the winter of 2019, 64-year-old Kim F. was treated for breast cancer at the Dattoli Cancer Center. “I received a real education about my tumor and how radiation works. I admit that I felt a little out of place being surrounded by so many men being treated, but I can’t imagine getting better care than this.” Kim learned that the Dattoli Cancer Center is the only center in the country offering a radiation guidance system that can aim pinpoint radiation to the tumor while sparing the nearby heart and lungs. This is especially important when treating cancer in the left breast in such close proximity to the heart.

“Half-way around the world is not too far to travel to get the best care. Five years later, I'm like new – no evidence of prostate cancer at all. With my children on their own and more time on my hands, I've completed a 750-mile pilgrimage in 2004 and am back climbing mountains. The view from the top is awesome!"

"My seeds were implanted in early 2000. Today I am happy, healthy and a grateful man. My PSA is barely detectable at 0.094, and I embrace life full-steam ahead with Bernice by my side."