Radiation Oncology
Radiation Oncology is often the first line of attack in eradicating tumor cells. At California Pacific Medical Center we offer the state-of-the-art treatment modalities to treat a wide variety of malignancies. Radiation oncology services include both conventional and leading-edge approaches to cancer treatment and care.
Leading-edge Radio Therapy
Brachytherapy for prostate cancer, involves the transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided placement of radioactive seeds directly into the prostate gland. This technique allows a higher and more directed dose of radiation to be delivered, essentially treating the tumor from the inside out rather than from the outside in. Decreased radiation doses to the surrounding normal tissue lowers the risk of long-term side effects.
A CT scan is used to obtain a detailed 3D description of a patient's internal anatomy. The 3D information is used to create models of the tumor volume and any organs needing protection during the radiation treatment. The goal is to shape the spatial distribution of the prescribed radiation dose so that it matches the shape of the 3D image of the cancerous tumor cells as closely as possible, thereby minimizing radiation to surrounding healthy tissue.
California Pacific Medical Center now offers partial breast radiation therapy, a procedure that delivers radiation to the malignant tumor and not to the entire breast. Partial breast radiation is a new post-lumpectomy breast conservation radiation technique. This localized treatment better spares the surrounding healthy tissues from unnecessary radiation exposure by delivering high-dose radiation directly to the breast tissue tumor area only. Additionally patients usually require fewer treatment sessions than with conventional radiation therapy. Although this treatment if currently used to treat early stage breast cancer, patients should always discuss all treatment options with their physician.
Using the da Vinci robotic system, Rodman Rodgers, M.D. is performing radical prostatectomies, which may reduce the risks for incontinence and erectile dysfunction. The surgery is completed using minimally invasive surgical techniques, therefore reducing incision size and blood loss, causing less pain, and speeding recovery.
The surgery is performed through approximately four small abdominal incisions (¼– ½ inch) and one larger 1-inch incision for tissue removal. The da Vinci robotic system has three robotic arms surgeons operate remotely from a control station. Surgeons view the internal surgical site via two tiny robotic-arm mounted cameras projecting three-dimensional images to a computer monitor. The robot eliminates any natural shaking, steadying even the most experienced surgeon’s hands. Patients are often discharged home within one or two days and resume their normal activities within seven days.
Conventional Radiation Oncology Services
Our conventional radiation oncology services include:
Learning About Your Health Resources for Radiation Oncology