On the first day of Men’s Health Month 2021, Ridley-Tree Cancer Center and radiation oncologist Dr. Justin Voog has announced the launch of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) an advanced treatment for prostate cancer.
The innovative technique uses Ridley-Tree’s world-class linear accelerators to safely and effectively deliver powerful doses of radiation to the precise location of the tumor, targeting cancer cells while minimizing effects on surrounding tissues.
“This minimally invasive outpatient procedure addresses the tumor from multiple angles and allows the physician to adjust for tumor movement in near-real time,” said Dr. Voog.
The 30-minute procedure only requires five sessions instead of eight weeks of conventional treatment, resulting in faster recovery times.
Prior to SBRT treatment, Ridley-Tree Cancer Center offers patients SpaceOAR hydrogel treatment, a temporary injectable gel that provides space between the rectum and the prostate to help patients avoid some of the negative effects of radiation therapy.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO), the organization that accredits Ridley-Tree’s Radiation Therapy Department, lists SBRT as the standard of care for low- and intermediate-risk prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in American men, second only to lung cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. When prostate cancer is caught early, 99% of men survive.
Dr. Voog has years of experience treating patients using advanced radiation techniques like SBRT. He ares for patients with all types of cancer, and has a special interest in prostate/genitourinary malignancies. He believes that multi-disciplinary management coupled with evidence-based medicine is the foundation for personalized cancer care.
Dr. Voog earned his medical degree from the University of California San Diego and completed his internship training at Scripps Mercy Hospital in San Diego, followed by a residency at Harvard’s Radiation Oncology Program.
Before joining Ridley-Tree Cancer Center, Dr. Voog held academic appointments at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
SBRT may not be covered by all health insurance plans. Patients should check with their health insurance provider to determine coverage. For more about SBRT and other advanced radiation oncology treatment options at Ridley-Tree, visit radiationoncology.ridleytreecc.org.