Jan 23, 2007 7:33 pm US/Mountain
CU Explores New Prostate Cancer Treatment
by Kathy Walsh
AURORA, Colo. (CBS4) ―
Researchers in Colorado are studying a new approach to treating prostate cancer aimed at maintaining a patient's quality of life. This targeted therapy could do for prostate cancer what a lumpectomy did for breast cancer.
Wayne Hutchens was diagnosed with early prostate cancer in 2005. He told CBS4 he faced a difficult decision.
"One option I had was to do nothing, he said." "But watchful waiting was not in my DNA."
Hutchens wasn't comfortable with radical treatment of the prostate either, which can cause incontinence and impotence. The 62-year-old learned about a new approach being studied at the University of Colorado Cancer Center.
With ultrasound guidance, doctors map the prostate by taking multiple tissue samples systematically. Dr. Al Barqawi helped develop software that creates a 3-D computer model which can pinpoint the exact position and extent of the cancer. It's called "targeted focal therapy."
"In simple words, this will mean applying the concept of smart bomb to cancerous areas," Dr. Al Barqawi said.
The goal is to achieve the best survival rate.
"The treatment won't compromise on quality of life," said Dr. Al Barqawi.
Hutchens knows he can have more radical treatment if need be, but he's hoping this new approach will keep him cancer free.
Additional Resources
- For more information, call 720-848-0568 or e-mail Dr. Al Barqawi at Al.Barqawi@uchsc.edu. Or, visit www.david-crawford.com.
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