Dr. Tara Washington shows the Calypso system that tracks the movement of the prostate during radiation for better treatment.
The Wildomar center, owned by Vantage Oncology, is the first cancer-treatment center in the Inland Empire and Orange and San Diego counties to offer the Calypso system, in use for more than a month now. "We are very proud to distinguish ourselves in this way," Washington e-mailed .
Other medical technology detects the prostate gland's location only prior to radiation delivery, not during. With the Calypso system, three Beacon electromagnetic transponders are implanted in a man's prostate to help track the position and movement of the gland in a real-time format. The more specific the information is, the more accurate the delivery of radiation therapy is.
Accurate aim is important during radiation therapy because nearby healthy tissue can be damaged if the target can't be pinned down.
"Damage to the rectum and bladder are the most common side effects of ineffective radiation treatment delivery," Washington e-mailed. And, of course, there's the risk of "underdosing ... the prostate gland, potentially leading to lower cure rates, an unintended consequence of ineffective treatment delivery."
One of the center's patients, Michael Watkins, said he recommends the Calypso system "because it eliminates worry."
"More responsibility has been taken to control and emphasis placed on where exactly it's supposed to go," he said, referring to the radiation therapy.
The 55-year-old Temecula resident has been part of the trial run of the new technology after agreeing to be treated for early-stage prostate cancer while the staff received training.
With Calypso, the patient just lies there and it does all the work, Watkins said. "I don't feel any side effects."
Watkins, an assistant pastor at Imani Temple of Temecula and a financial counselor, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in January.
"Because I was proactive, I was able to get an early detection," he said, referring to his history of getting regular prostate and colon exams after he turned 40.
"The more you know, the better it is, the more options you have."
Elizabeth Han at 951-368-9424 or ehan@PE.com
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