To ensure the best possible treatment, the therapeutic strategy is determined during a multidisciplinary conference, also known as a tumor board. In addition to all treatment modalities (surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy), various supportive care services (such as nutrition counseling) are offered to patients based on their needs.
Reflecting the prevalence of this disease among men, 20% of patients in the radio-oncology department at Hôpital de La Tour are being treated for prostate cancer. Here’s a closer look at this department, whose dedicated teams are implementing innovations to improve the comfort and quality of life for those affected by this disease.
Reducing Side Effects Through Precise Targeting and Protection of Healthy Tissue
Radiation therapy uses ionizing radiation to destroy tumor cells. However, it is necessary to limit the exposure of healthy cells surrounding the tumor to radiation in order to reduce the treatment’s toxicity without compromising its effectiveness. Indeed, when healthy cells are damaged, this can cause bothersome or even painful side effects. These side effects can appear at any time during radiation therapy or in the weeks that follow. While most resolve on their own or can be treated, some may persist long-term and thus impact quality of life.
During the planning phase, the radiation oncologist delineates the treatment area using 3D imaging. At Hôpital de La Tour, treatment is planned based on an MRI scan rather than a CT scan, as is traditionally done, which increases precision and effectiveness while reducing radiation exposure to healthy tissue.
Our radio-oncology team also offers other techniques to help minimize treatment side effects. For example, the use of a gel (SpaceOAR) that moves the rectum—the organ located just behind the prostate—away from the radiation field. The gel is injected by a urologist trained to perform this procedure and is naturally eliminated after three to twelve months.
Extremely precise targeting of cancer cells is also ensured during treatment by the Varian EDGE™. This state-of-the-art radiation therapy machine features a high-dose-rate beam which, combined with its targeting precision, reduces treatment times.
In addition, at Hôpital de La Tour, the teams measure and document medical outcomes. To this end, patients—who play an active role in their own care—regularly complete a questionnaire. This allows the physician to evaluate and adjust care and treatments with the primary goal of improving each patient’s quality of life.