The most common cancer diagnosed in men is prostate cancer, which has a five-year survival rate of 97%. As the approach to treatment has evolved with improving technologies and longer life expectancy for men with prostate cancer, Dr. Christien Kluwe, a radiation oncologist at Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio, emphasizes the need to balance disease control and quality of life for patients.
One question that Kluwe asks is whether every prostate cancer patient needs androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) such as testosterone blockers. He is exploring ways to identify those who would significantly benefit from a decrease in testosterone and treating them with ADT, while avoiding unnecessary treatments for those who may not benefit as much.
Kluwe is also studying radiation techniques like stereotactic body radiation therapy, which has revolutionized treatment for prostate cancer patients. With this precise and powerful technique, the standard eight weeks of treatment can now be completed in just five days. This precision allows for targeted treatment of cancer cells while sparing surrounding healthy tissue, using tiny pellets the size of rice grains.
Science & Medicine is a collaboration between TPR and The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio that highlights how scientific advancements in San Antonio are improving healthcare globally. Copyright 2024 Texas Public Radio. To learn more, visit the Texas Public Radio website.
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