Study Results to be Presented on Prostate Cancer Treatment That Greatly Reduces Unwanted Side Effects

Fort Myers, FL, April 07, 2010 --(PR.com)-- A new “tumor tracking” prostate cancer treatment that greatly reduces the side effects of radiation treatment is the subject of a free presentation available for the public. Dr. Constantine Mantz, a radiation oncologist at 21st Century Oncology, will present the results of a study he led to test the effectiveness of Calypso®, a system that uses real-time tracking to deliver pinpoint accuracy in radiation treatment. Seminars will be held on April 15 from 5 – 6 p.m. at the Wyvern Hotel in Punta Gorda, April 17 from 9 – 10 a.m. at the Cape Coral Hospital Auditorium, April 29 from 5 – 6 p.m. at Hyatt Place Coconut Point in Estero, and May 1 from 9 – 10 a.m. at the Regional Cancer Center in Fort Myers.

Mantz’s study demonstrated that the Calypso system significantly reduces radiation-related side effects in prostate cancer treatment. Participating patients treated with Calypso had significantly fewer problems with sexual function and fewer bowel and urinary problems compared to those treated using traditional means.

Mantz’s study results were published in the medical journal, Urology.

Prior to receiving radiation treatment with the Calypso system, tiny electromagnetic devices called beacon transponders are implanted in the patient’s prostate. These transponders allow physicians to monitor the natural movement of the prostate during treatment and ensure that the prostate stays within the radiation beam. Currently, physicians may set radiation beams to cover a wider area, including healthy tissue, to account for these small movements. The ability to continuously see where the prostate is located in relation to the radiation beam means clinicians can keep the beam’s scope narrow and direct higher, more effective radiation doses to the tumor.

“This is the first comparative study to show that margin reduction in prostate cancer radiation therapy has clinically significant and measurable benefits in decreasing acute toxicity and short-term side effects. By reducing acute toxicity, we hope these patients may also experience a significant reduction of long-term side effects,” said Mantz. “The Calypso system enables physicians to deliver increased doses of radiation directly to the tumor while sparing the surrounding healthy organs from exposure. It is fundamental to our overall approach of treating prostate cancer.”

Patients and others interested in learning more about Calypso and Mantz’s study should plan to attend one of the upcoming seminars being held around Southwest Florida:

Thursday, April 15, 6 – 8 p.m. at the Wyvern Hotel, 101 E Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Saturday, April 17, 9 – 10 a.m. at Cape Coral Hospital, 636 Del Prado Blvd., Cape Coral, FL 33990
Thursday, April 29, 5 – 6 p.m. at Hyatt Place Coconut Point, 23120 Via Villagio, Estero, FL 33928
Saturday, May 1, 9 – 10 a.m. at the Regional Cancer Center, 8931 Colonial Center Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33905

Reservations are required and can be made by calling 239-433-8518.

About 21st Century Oncology
21st Century Oncology, Inc. is a leading developer and operator of radiation therapy centers in the U.S. For more than 20 years, 21st Century Oncology has been committed to providing premier, quality, cost-effective radiation therapy services that are responsive to the needs of its patients through continuous improvement and innovation. The company operates in 17 states and has more than 20 offices in Southwest Florida.

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