For more information about the doctors at UroPartners and the GPS system they are using to treat prostate cancer, check out www.uropartners.com.
In tonight's Medical Watch -- GPS guiding doctors through the body for targeted treatment. Some say it's a roadmap to success over cancer.
Radiation therapy is never easy. Lying still. A beam aimed at the body. A patient knowing it has to hit a precise spot. In Bob Tatgenhorst's case, his prostate.
Bob Tatgenhorst, Calypso Patient: "If my prostate moves they can make adjustments. Which mine has ...
Dr. Rakesh Jagetia, Radiation Oncologist, UroPartners: "The gland moves, it can move anywhere from 5 mm to 10 mm based on bowel gas, respiration, muscle tension, coughing or sneezing.
And when the prostate moves, the radiation may not hit it's mark.
Dr. Jagedia: "If it wasn't for the system we would have no idea if we were missing the target."
The target is cancer but doctors also want to spare healthy tissue *and* eliminate side effects.
Dr. Jagetia: "With the prostate I'm very concerned abut sparing the bladder and rectum."
Richard Harris, Urologist and Managing Partner, UroPartners: "People can have abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, nausea, bladder symptoms, they go to the bathroom frequently and urgently."
That speaks to the urgent need for real time monitoring. Here's how it works. Markers the size of a grain of rice are implanted on the prostate before treatment. The beacons transmit a signal to the GPS tracking device.
Dr. Jagetia: "We have three optical cameras that visualize the array as well so we can continuously monitor the prostate gland."
If the gland moves, radiation stops. It takes about 44 treatments to stop cancer growth. Bob drives 63 miles for his.
Bob: "It's a piece of cake."
The next number he's hoping for is a better PSA.
Bob: "I'm hoping to learn that my PSA is down to a safe level and I beat this thing."
This procedure is now being studied for lung and breast tumors as well.
In tonight's Medical Watch -- GPS guiding doctors through the body for targeted treatment. Some say it's a roadmap to success over cancer.
Radiation therapy is never easy. Lying still. A beam aimed at the body. A patient knowing it has to hit a precise spot. In Bob Tatgenhorst's case, his prostate.
Bob Tatgenhorst, Calypso Patient: "If my prostate moves they can make adjustments. Which mine has ...
Dr. Rakesh Jagetia, Radiation Oncologist, UroPartners: "The gland moves, it can move anywhere from 5 mm to 10 mm based on bowel gas, respiration, muscle tension, coughing or sneezing.
And when the prostate moves, the radiation may not hit it's mark.
Dr. Jagedia: "If it wasn't for the system we would have no idea if we were missing the target."
The target is cancer but doctors also want to spare healthy tissue *and* eliminate side effects.
Dr. Jagetia: "With the prostate I'm very concerned abut sparing the bladder and rectum."
Richard Harris, Urologist and Managing Partner, UroPartners: "People can have abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, nausea, bladder symptoms, they go to the bathroom frequently and urgently."
That speaks to the urgent need for real time monitoring. Here's how it works. Markers the size of a grain of rice are implanted on the prostate before treatment. The beacons transmit a signal to the GPS tracking device.
Dr. Jagetia: "We have three optical cameras that visualize the array as well so we can continuously monitor the prostate gland."
If the gland moves, radiation stops. It takes about 44 treatments to stop cancer growth. Bob drives 63 miles for his.
Bob: "It's a piece of cake."
The next number he's hoping for is a better PSA.
Bob: "I'm hoping to learn that my PSA is down to a safe level and I beat this thing."
This procedure is now being studied for lung and breast tumors as well.
