PROSTATE CANCER FAQs

Our physicians have treated more than 14,000 men with prostate cancer and have performed more prostate seed implants than most centers in the world (5,000). We have trained hundreds of physicians across the United States, Europe, Asia, and Africa on our Procision™ seed implant technique. We have patented devices, published extensive research in major medical journals, and presented seminars around the world. A Radiation Oncologist’s experience plays a critical role in achieving the best chance for a long-term cancer cure with minimal side effects. LEARN MORE

Even in the most experienced hands in the world, a robotic prostatectomy is a major operation. Recovery takes several weeks or longer. Most men permanently lose their ability to have erections, and there is a significant risk of urinary incontinence. SUCCESS RATES with seed implants and/or IGRT are better than seen with the best robotic surgery, with far shorter recovery times and less side effects. LEARN MORE

No. Proton Beam radiation is an outdated technology that first originated in the 1950s. Current studies show that it is not only extremely costly and time-consuming, but also much less effective than seed implants, with much greater side effects. One study from the largest proton center in the country, at Loma Linda, in fact, reported that the 5-year success rate with proton therapy was only 73% (Slater, 2004). This is in comparison to our 98% success rates with seed implants for low-risk disease (Terk, ASTRO). The largest study was ever done (JAMA 2012) showed that proton therapy had the highest rate of rectal side effects with no improvement in cure rate over older forms of radiation therapy. LEARN MORE

No. There are currently no results available beyond five years for this treatment, compared to 15 years from a prostate seed implant. In addition, all men who have high-dose-rate implants must have several weeks of external radiation AND multiple implant procedures with anesthesia. At times, men may have the needles sticking out of their body for 24 hours while they receive several radiation treatments. During this time period, the needles can cause significant discomfort, and move to potentially harmful locations. In contrast, a prostate seed implant is a one-time-only outpatient procedure that takes less than one hour. There is no significant movement of the seeds once they have been implanted.

Cryotherapy is when part of the prostate is frozen. While some believe this technology is improving, there are no major studies available with results at more than 5 years. In addition, side effects such as impotence and incontinence are much greater with cryotherapy than with seed implants, and in fact, are similar to more radical surgery. Most centers reserve cryotherapy for the treatment of prior external radiation failures, and not for the upfront treatment of newly diagnosed men. This procedure should only be performed by experienced Urologists.

We believe that all men without evidence of metastasis (cancer spread to other organs) have a chance to be cured of their cancer by a prostate seed implant and/or IGRT. We recommend that men diagnosed with prostate cancer consult with both a Urologist and our Radiation Oncologists. Based on extensive data, we can tell you what your risk of having disease outside the prostate is. We will review your past medical history and current physical condition and discuss the pros and cons of surgery, external radiation, and seed implants. We have seed implant protocols to treat men with both early and advanced-stage disease.

What is most important is that men take their time and feel comfortable with their decision. If a man chooses prostatectomy, we suggest he have this performed by an experienced Urologist. If he chooses a seed implant, we recommend that our uniquely experienced Radiation Oncologists treat him with the Procision™ Implant Technique.