PTC is leading the way in pencil beam scanning

Iva Tatounova-Curtis Poling-Lucie Kleckova at PTCC 

Continuing my journey with proton therapy I visited this newest Proton Therapy Center   in Prague Czech Republic.  PTCC is one of the leaders using the most sophisticated Pencil Beam Scanning (PBS) delivery technique for treating a variety of cancers. Physics group has had very extensive experiences and technical expertise in commissioning and implementing the excellent quality assurance for PBS in three of their treatment rooms. Most centers experiences have been limited to the Uniform Scanning (US) and Double Scattering (DS) modalities so far. Other centers across the globe are observing the clinical cases and have learned a very valuable information from the very experienced clinical and physics staff of PTCC. This equates to highly accurate delivery and higher dosages of treatment without side effects of traditional forms of radiation. 

Continuing  journey as a global advocate for proton therapy I was honored to tour this amazing advanced center for cancer proton center.  The center's founders Pavel & Vaclav Lastovka have implemented the most advanced proton center in the world.  Emphasis on pediatrics and many cancers that proton patients will benefit.  Considering costs for proton therapy this center is lowest costs in the world and recently introduced hyperfractinated treatments of early stage proton with only 5 dosages (5 days).  Amazing center!!  Please write me at curtispoling@gmail.com

Proton Therapy for Prostate Cancer is the Magic Bullet!

Proton Therapy Journey continues!  

It's been a while since I posted PSA results or moderated thoughts.  Today it has been 6 years and 3 months since my last trip to a proton therapy gantry.  It's been over 6 years ago when my PSA had tripled alarmingly over 8 months at a high of 5.8.  It was mid fall Nov 1, 2007 when I received the dreadful news that I had cancer.   I was then encouraged as a perfect candidate for surgery, or IMRT, brachytherapy or combintaton of IMRT and  brachytherapy.  I was anxious during that time and recall side effects of increased urgency in urination and symptoms of early Erectile dysfunction.  It was a confusing time coping with the diagnosis, facing possible surgery at urologist's recommendation, or some form of radiation.  I was 52 when they symptoms started and 53 when diagnosed.  Urologists and my General Practitioner concurred if untreated at my age or consider watchful waiting I would succumb and die from prostate cancer at an early age. The concept of surgery and its side effects made me sick to my stomach.  You see I never faced any serious illness or past surgery and couldn't fathom the long recovery of possibly only being a shadow of myself after the surgery.   IMRT or some variation was my early thought and yet concerned of its possible outcome.  I investigated Cyberknife and was discouraged even by practitioners then in multiple locations that long term benefits were too early to predict for men my age.     

I discovered proton therapy early on and encouraged by positive reports by thousands of proton patients with organizations like Brotherhood of the Balloon and having fewer side effects and maintaining a normal life.  My urologists indicated it was not readily available and experimental.  Oncologists locally indicated proton was over the top for my cancer and yet they were a branch of MD Anderson and had access to proton.  I forged on and eventually was treated with 45 sessions of PBT over 8 weeks. Being away from home and managing our small business was difficult.  Tracy my loving wife kept all our affairs together during my treatment. Without her support, proton therapy was not possible, and yet she knew the long term benefit. 

 Flash forward today my PSA is now at  .059 !!!...yes that's true.  It dropped even lower over the last year.  Clinically, I am considered cured by my insurance provider and local practitioners.  I even decided after all these years to do a comphrensive bone scan.  Guess what... All clear.   And even more importantly I never had a side effect and my frequent urination disappeared and no signs of Erectile dysfunction.   Never lost any function, no loss of career and no loss of love and affection with my spouse.   

Trip to Beijing with Noah 2012 seeking
Proton funding for US center

Today I have been blessed having travelled extensively globally promoting proton therapy.  I have heard exceptionally powerful stories of conviction of seeking out proton therapy with patients traveling halfway across the globe for proton treatment.  Their stories are mentioned in this Asia blog http://affordableprotontherapy.blogspot.com/ 

So for me proton was the magic bullet.  Is it worth the costs?  Ask the patient.  Good health to all.  Curtis Poling, successfully treated with PBT.  

  

Proton Therapy answers all the problems related to radiation therapy!

Proton Therapy is the future:

Recent released report on proton therapy:  60% of all cancer patients undergo some sort of radiation therapy during their course of treatment. Despite advances in technology for radiation therapy, a majority of these patients suffer from side effects of traditional radiation treatment. Currently prevalent radio therapy methods like X-Ray/IMRT etc. also cost pretty high in the long run.

In this context, Proton Therapy, the latest innovation in the field of radio-oncology,answers all the problems related to radiation therapy. The technology is expected to eventually replace the traditional methods of radiotherapy in the future and thus, holds immense market potential for players in the industry. The report further delves into the anticipated transformation into the competitive landscape due to increase in number of players leading to highly competitive market. Read

Robot hot among surgeons but FDA taking fresh look

Todays news: 

A New York man whose colon was allegedly perforated during prostate surgery. Da Vinci's maker filed that report after seeing a newspaper article about it and said the doctor's office declined to provide additional information. Read more:

Five years ago I was with treated Proton Therapy for prostate cancer.   No side effects!  Do your due diligence and study your options.  I put a lot of value on minimal side effects and a good quality life.  Please browse my blog and see my story.  Have a great day! 

Proton therapy treatment preserves quality of life for men with prostate cancer

The first, a multi-institutional study, and one of the largest quality of life studies of its kind ever conducted in such a patient population, involved more than 1,000 patients treated with proton therapy for various stages of prostate cancer. The men had all received proton therapy, with or without hormone therapy, at one of five proton therapy centers across the country. All participants were at least one year to more than 10 years post-treatment. 

Two MD Anderson-led studies conclude that patients' urinary, bowel function safe-guarded

Newswise — BOSTON, MA - Two studies led by The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have found that proton therapy preserves the quality of life, specifically urinary and bowel function, in men treated with this targeted radiation modality for prostate cancer.

Both studies, led by Andrew K. Lee, M.D., M.P.H., associate professor in MD Anderson's Department of Radiation Oncology, will be presented in a poster session at the 54th Annual Meeting of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO).

"As oncologists, we obviously want good cancer control outcomes, but we also want to ensure that patients maintain a strong sense of continued quality of life after treatment, which can be very personal and subjective for each patient," said Lee.

"With this research, we looked at the well being of prostate cancer patients, post-treatment, and it was important that we obtain this information directly from men who actually underwent the therapy, rather than from their treatment providers," Lee continued. "In our own practice, we've observed that patients have done very well as measured by disease control and quality of life metrics. Our findings, both the wider-perspective multicenter study and the research conducted solely at MD Anderson, validate what we observe in our clinic."

Please Read on: http://www.newswise.com/articles/proton-therapy-treatment-preserves-quality-of-life-for-men-with-prostate-cancer

Five Years after Proton Therapy

Five years ago I was packing and preparing for the start of my proton journey.    45 sessions of proton therapy and 2.5 months duration seems like a blink of time today.   My recent PSA came in at .61 Now Five years of no side effects and and kicked the cancer in the rear.   My story started when I was 53 years old with a PSA that had tripled in 8 months to a high of 5.8...you can read my start of prostate cancer journey here. I was lucky to discover the cancer early and move on it. The proton beam spared me so much from side effects, and now, what great peace of mind to see this new low number. I feel great never lost any functions, sexuality and never suffered through the treatment and recovery process. How amazing is that.!  

PSA four years after Proton Beam Therapy

Four years ago I started my first week of proton therapy at Loma Linda Medical University. I was 53 years old with a PSA that had tripled in 8 months to a high of 5.8...you can read my start of prostate cancer journey here. I was lucky to discover the cancer early and move on it. Today as I am so happy to report a new lower PSA of .68! The proton beam spared me so much from side effects, and now, what great peace of mind to see this new low number. I feel great never lost any functions, sexuality and never suffered through the treatment and recovery process. How wonderful is that!

If you are starting your cancer journey take time to read this blog. You do not have to expose yourself or compromise quality of life and or lifestyle with proton. With 37 (9 in the US) total proton centers in the US and abroad with 11 planned and over 73,800 treated, you owe it to yourself and your family to at least review the benefits of PBT.

Thanks to all the health care providers, National Association of Proton Therapy and the father of proton utilizing the Bragg peak by Dr. Robert R. Wilson in 1946 for making this therapy a reality.

The debate will go on for the healthcare community for proton beam therapy effectiveness and costs. And so did the use of radium back in 1913 to treat cancer, and so did xray tubes in 1922, and high energy xray machines by GE in 1937, Cobalt in 1951, and so did LINAC and Gamma knife technology, then on to 70s with 3D, IGRT and IMRT. Protons today are sparing life changing side effects while curing cancer. In my view as a past patient it is todays best chance at treating a localized cancer tumors and another milestone in saving lives in radiation history.

Go Protons!!!

Proton Therapy: A beam of hope for so many in 2012!

Until 1990 all proton therapy was delivered in high-energy, physics-research laboratories. Loma Linda University Medical Center and James M. Slater, changed that. Dr. Slater's major field of interest prior to becoming a physician was physics. Therefore, he was already aware of the clinical interest in protons and other heavy charged particles.

In 1990, after almost 20 years of research, Loma Linda University Medical Center, in cooperation with Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory and the Proton Therapy Cooperative Group, opened the world's first hospital-based proton-beam accelerator dedicated to the treatment of patients with cancer. Though not a cure for all forms of cancer, it has become a major advancement in the treatment of "localized cancer," a malignant tumor that is still in its original site and has not yet spread throughout the body.

Today 11 (9 US, 2 international...NCC Seoul and Rinicker Center Munich) centers are recognized as destinations for proton beam therapy for treatment. Read more here at the National Proton Therapy Organization. 7 centers are now in construction or development within the US. Over 90,000 have been treated with proton beam therapy. There are many support white papers and 15 year clinical studies published in support of proton (you will find most here on this blog). Most insurance carries approve this FDA approved treatment. If not insured you will find some US centers with a cash out of pocket program or travel abroad to NCC Seoul or Rinicher Center for affordable treatment costs.

If you have discovered PBT you are fortunate and have taken charge of your treatment decsion. Please read the many posts here. This may just give you a peace of mind in your cancer journey. Best of health to all!

Get Serious About PSA testing for Prostate Cancer

Today I read an new article about a local musician in Dyerbgurg TN. He passed away from prostate cancer at the age 52 today. He was diagnosed stage 4 prostate cancer in 2010 and it had already spread to lymph nodes and his bones. It caught him as a surprise in the prime of his life. Here is the story. http://www.stategazette.com/story/1747556.html

I was lucky. I started PSA testing when I was 52 and by chance completing a full blood panel of tests at that time. My first PSA was 1.2 in 2006. Clinically that fits the norm range up to 4.0 not to be concerned. I continued to monitor and had 2 more bumps to 2.9 6 months later. In 2007 my PSA tripled to 5.8. I was concerned changed my attending physician as there was no concern at that time. My new physician confirmed at my age It would be a killer if I discovered cancer and not treated. I made an appointment after that with a urologists in October 1 2007.

The tests came back the next day and indeed I had cancer and you may read the story here.

A day does not go by that I am so thankful to still be alive and in just great health due to this marvelous treatment called proton beam therapy. I was so lucky to have done such a simple test back in 2006. I am sure today undiscovered it would have been my demise and I would not be writing how well I am doing and promoting proton therapy.

Do yourself and your family a life saver and get tested with a simple PSA test. Ignoring this test may cost your life and take heed that clinically it can not be determined how aggressive the cancer is. So get treated! Don't gamble with your life and rob you friends and family of your companionship.

So Happy to be alive and Cheers!

Sexual Health in Men Declines After Prostate Surgery

Hopefully you have found this blog in your due diligence and research for treatment of prostate cancer. Proton therapy with its minimal side effects as it was for me is the option to consider as these types of reports come in frequently. Please read this article:
Sexual health is worse than expected in nearly half of all men who undergo surgery for prostate cancer, according to a poll.

Sexual function was shown to have decreased while incontinence problems increased.

Prior to the surgery, some men in the study expected to have better sexual and urinary function a year after surgery than prior to it. That belief is not realistic, Daniela Wittmann, sexual health coordinator at the urology department of the University of Michigan, told Reuters.

"Men have unrealistic expectations of urinary and sexual function after prostatectomy despite preoperative counseling," Wittmann and her colleagues wrote. more:

Permanent nerve damage experienced during prostate cancer surgery

I created this blog as the start of my prostate cancer journey. My treatment of choice was proton beam therapy. It is information like the following that just makes sense to consider the advantages of proton beam therapy in treating your cancer:

Permanent nerve damage experienced during surgery: When nerve damage occurs anywhere in the body, the tissues to which the damaged nerves supply impulses usually experience atrophy or breakdown. This can often be seen in paraplegic, wheelchair bound people in whom the loss of nerve signal causes a significant decrease in the size and muscle mass of the legs. The same can be said of the penis after nerve damage during prostatectomy. If permanent nerve damage occurs, the lack of impulses to smooth muscle of the penis leads to an atrophy or breakdown of the tissues responsible for erections and causes the penis to shrink both in length and girth.

Read on: http://myprostatedoc.blogspot.com/2011/06/shortening-of-penis-after-prostatectomy.html

Prostate Cancer Symptoms - Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF)

Prostate Cancer Symptoms - Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF)

I am posting these symptoms from the Prostate Cancer Foundation for the benefit of first time visits to this site and those starting the journey with diagnosis of prostate cancer.

Not everyone experiences symptoms of prostate cancer. Many times, signs of prostate cancer are first detected by a doctor during a routine check-up.

Some men, however, will experience changes in urinary or sexual function that might indicate the presence of prostate cancer. These symptoms include:

A need to urinate frequently, especially at night
Difficulty starting urination or holding back urine
Weak or interrupted flow of urine
Painful or burning urination
Difficulty in having an erection
Painful ejaculation
Blood in urine or semen
Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs

You should consult with your doctor if you experience any of the symptoms above.

Because these symptoms can also indicate the presence of other diseases or disorders, such as BPH or prostatitis, men will undergo a thorough work-up to determine the underlying cause.

Proton therapy of cancer: Potential clinical advantages and cost-effectiveness

I came across this study by Medical Management center in Stockholm Sweden. It approaches the topic of cost effectiveness proton beam therapy vs other modalities for cancer treatment. I present this as there is an underlying question "is proton worth the costs". For me as a cancer survivor treated successfully with no side effects it is just makes sense to consider proton therapy for treatment as you will see as you review my blog. I put a lot of value of leading a normal life while not suffering side effects. So to me it was worth the costs.

Unfortunately it is so difficult to evaluate all the options that are available in treatment of cancer. While medical professionals provide their best advise based on there area of expertise, it is you who will have to make the final decision in selecting the treatment. Time is not on your side as clinical reports come in over the years. I, like you did not or do not have the luxury to debate this issue.

The following study goes like this: "Proton therapy may offer potential clinical advantages compared with conventional radiation therapy for many cancer patients. Due to the large investment costs for building a proton therapy facility, however, the treatment cost with proton
radiation is higher than with conventional radiation. It is therefore important to evaluate whether the medical benefits of proton therapy are large enough to motivate the higher costs."

"The results of this study indicate that proton therapy may be a cost-effective treatment if appropriate risk groups are chosen as targets for proton therapy, and that an investment in a proton therapy facility may be cost-effective compared to using conventional radiation": Click here to see the complete study.

Prostate surgery leaves another one impotent

I read this article today:

'I'm a ladies' man who can never make love': Andrew Lloyd Webber reveals prostate cancer battle has left him impotent

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1371379/Andrew-Lloyd-Webber-reveals-prostate-cancer-battle-left-impotent.html#ixzz1IIm1rDzj

Become your own advocate do your research and consider proton beam therapy for prostate cancer. I see this happening every day as this story including friends who think the physician has there best interest at heart when it comes to prostate surgery. They say the may spare the nerves but the statistics are clear that only 11% retain any type of sexuality and it is not what I would consider acceptable. It does not have to be this way. Your cancer can be treated without the loss and many side effects that other treatments leave. Please review this blog as it provides many details about proton beam therapy. I am three years out from my proton beam therapy treatment and have not loss a day of work, wore diapers, had a catheter or loss my sexuality. No ED! What a peace of mind to continue life normally and have the cancer successfully treated.

Comparison Tables proton, photon(xray, IMRT) Prostatectomy

The following link should be reviewed by all newly diagnosed with localized and cancers including prostate cancer. It clearly demonstrates outcomes and side effects in comparison to proton, photon and prostatectomy. Comparison Tables proton, photon(xray, IMRT) Prostatectomy.

One more reason not to consider surgery for prostate cancer

Men aged 70 or older had a 1.45-fold greater hazard risk of biochemical recurrence following prostatectomy. Overall survival was lowest for men of this age group who underwent surgery.

"Clinicopathological features of prostate cancer appear to be more aggressive as one ages. We found that men 70 years old or older had worse outcomes with respect to biochemical recurrence-free, prostate cancer specific and overall survival. Implications for screening and treatment recommendations are yet to be defined,"

Read more here: http://www.doctorslounge.com/index.php/news/pb/17460

Do your homework and please review this blog about the benefits of proton therapy.

Prostate Cancer a call to do something when diagnosed!

Here setting center seeing what prostate cancer can do if ignored, I want to mention to those starting the process to take head of this post. My earlier posts praise the process of being treated with proton therapy and how easy it was to manage. I was lucky to move on my cancer early. Left untreated I had a raging triple growth of PSA before diagnosed with cancer. Statistically and at 53 years old I faced an enormous battle verified with attending physicians and oncologists that I would die from it at an early age. I am convinced now three years later that I may not have even been here if left untreated. How lucky to discover it and move on it. This humbles me. I appreciate life and as you read I continue to be a active as an advocate and dedicated my career in helping patients seek cancer treatment.

As of this post I have had over 5500 visitors to this blog and have mentored 100's personally since I started this project. Some take action, get aggressive and treat their cancer and that is positive. Its the ones that I cross that waited too long and are faced with their final battle with life. Metastatic prostate or any type of metastatic cancer is no longer curable.

As such, the therapy or treatment for metastatic cancer is considered palliative. Therefore, early detection remains the key for ultimately improving survival from this disease. The treatment for metastatic prostate cancer (cancer which has gone from the prostate to other parts of the body) has not changed significantly since the 1940’s. Prostate cancer is stimulated to grow by the male hormone testosterone. By blocking testosterone, prostate cancer will go into remission (either stop growing, or at least grow more slowly). Eighty percent of men with metastatic prostate cancer will respond to hormonal therapy (blocking testosterone). The response is a temporary one due to the fact that the cancer will mutate (change) and begin to grow despite the absence of testosterone. Half of men treated with hormonal therapy will develop disease that no longer responds to hormone treatment within three years of instituting therapy. You may read of alternative treatments but the outcome is similar and at the most only gives you a few months more of life.

Please if you are diagnosed with cancer take heed of what this post is saying and get aggressive and treat your cancer early. Its not worth the risks.