Roswell Park Only Hospital in Region Offering SBRT for Prostate Cancer

Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center is now offering an innovative approach to treating prostate cancer that provides a more efficient course of radiation therapy and incorporating a spacer to help shield the rectum from unnecessary treatment.

By using stereotactic body radiation therapy SBRT) and incorporating a Barrigel spacer, Roswell Park’s patients are receiving a more targeted dose of radiation while shielding other anatomical structures from possible long-term negative impacts, explains Mark Farrugia, MD, PhD, Director of Adaptive Radiotherapy at Roswell Park.

“The approach for prostate SBRT here at Roswell Park has several advantages,” he says. “No center outside of Roswell Park is offering SBRT for prostate cancer in the greater Buffalo area.”

SBRT uses high doses of radiation applied to a targeted area, meaning the patient needs fewer sessions, typically five or less, instead of 20 or more. This makes it a safer process for the patient as other internal organs are not necessarily receiving the treatment.

Secondly, Dr. Farrugia says Roswell Park has incorporated a Barrigel rectal spacer to provide more room between the prostate and the anterior wall of the rectum. “We no longer have to give the anterior wall of the rectum high doses of radiation, which reduces the side effects of treatment both in the short term and the long term.”

Most prostate cancer patients are eligible for SBRT treatment, unless they have a very large prostate or a high degree of urinary symptoms, he says.