New Treatment for Prostate Cancer
Recently, radiation oncologists at VHC Health began administering Xofigo®, a new treatment for patients with prostate cancer that has metastasized (spread) to the bones and who have failed other treatments. When prostate cancer metastasized to the bone, it can be very painful for the patient and increase the risk of fractures.
Robert Hong, MD, Chief of Radiation Oncology and Medical Director of the Hitt Family Center for Radiation Oncology, explains, “Xofigo is the first and only drug that involves a radioactive isotope that specifically hones in on the bones. Once a month for six months, we inject a drug that specifically seeks out the tumors in the bones by binding to bony minerals. Xofigo mimics calcium which allows radiation delivery directly to bone tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding normal structures. What’s more, patients can continue to receive external beam radiation or CyberKnife® treatment while on Xofigo.”
Recently approved by the FDA, Xofigo is proven to alleviate symptoms of metastasized prostate cancer to the bone, thus increasing the patient’s quality of life. Importantly, this treatment was shown to increase overall survival. Its effectiveness is documented in a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. “It’s gratifying to bring Xofigo to patients who otherwise may not have other treatment options available to them,” says Dr. Hong.
For more information, or a consultation with VHC Health radiation oncologists Dr. Robert Hong or Dr. Nadim Nasr, call 703.558.6284.
4D CT Targeting Tumors
Used in treatment planning for radiation oncology, 4D CT imaging tracks the movement of the tumor throughout the entire breathing cycle, as well as the movement of nearby organs. “Our advanced 4D CT technology allows us to target the tumor safely despite any motion due to breathing while maximizing the amount of healthy lung that is excluded from treatment,” says Nadim Nasr, MD, radiation oncologist.
The image shows a CyberKnife® plan for treatment of a lung cancer in the left upper lobe.
