Revolutionizing Prostate Cancer Treatment: Expert Radiation Oncologist Dr. Christien Kluwe Tackles Androgen Deprivation Therapy and Precision Radiation Techniques

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in men, and the five-year survival rate is 97%. With advancements in technology and an increase in life expectancy for prostate cancer patients, there has been a need to revolutionize the approach to treating this disease. Dr. Christien Kluwe, radiation oncologist at Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio, is leading the charge in this effort.

Kluwe poses important questions such as “does every prostate cancer patient need androgen deprivation therapy like testosterone blockers?” He also asks “can we identify those guys that will significantly benefit from a decrease in their testosterone and make sure that we treat them with ADT?” While some patients may not see a significant benefit from ADT, Kluwe believes it’s important to ensure that they are not put through unnecessary treatment.

In addition to studying ADT, Kluwe is also researching radiation techniques like stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). SBRT is a powerful and precise treatment that has changed the game for prostate cancer patients. By using tiny pellets the size of grains of rice, SBRT delivers radiation directly to the cancer while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. This treatment can be completed in just five days with high doses of radiation.

Science & Medicine is a collaboration between TPR and The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio that explores how scientific discovery in San Antonio advances the way medicine is practiced everywhere. Through efforts like those of Dr. Kluwe, this collaboration continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in cancer treatment and improve outcomes for patients across the country.