It’s January 2007, I’m cancer free and confused!
The FACTS are that Loma Linda through December 2006 has treated a total of 11,562 patients with protons and of that number 7,743 (67 percent) were Prostate Cancer patients.
M.D. Anderson’s new Proton Therapy Center.
On the net – (ref. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14466023/from/ET/) the article makes note: Dr. James Cox, chief of radiation oncology at M.D. Anderson, wasn’t always a believer in the technology. But he said studies have shown proton therapy allows a higher level of radiation on the tumor, with less damage to healthy tissue and fewer side effects, such as loss of appetite, diarrhea and headaches. “That was the breakthrough that changed my mind,” he said.
Then Bob Marckini’s great new book You Can Beat Prostate Cancer And You Don’t Need Surgery to Do It, arrived at Christmas time along with the PROSTATE BULLETIN from the prestigious John’s Hopkins Medicine, Winter 2006 Issue, December 22, 2006. Edited by Jacek L. Mostwin, M.D., D. Phil,; Advisory Board includes Alan W. Partin M.D. Ph. D. and H. Ballentine Carter, M.D.
However, the entire report does not mention “protons” until the GRAND ROUNDS section on page 37 when a question from a Lake Havasu City, Arizona man prompts a reply.
THE PROSTATE BULLETIN RESPONSE IS INCOMPLETE.
The response does not cover the Opening of the Proton Institute at the University of Florida in Jacksonville nor does it mention the Midwest Radio Therapy Institute in Bloomington, Indiana. Then the responder mentions a rectal toxicity percentage that is “much higher than standard IMRT” but does not tell us how many IMRT samples, what PSA range. The number that needs citation since it seems to be out of the “blue yonder” contradicting experience at Loma Linda and Dr. James Cox comments. Suggests once again that Dr. Peter Scardino is still right when he says, “In general, radiation therapists steer patients toward external beam therapy or seed implants, and surgeons advocate radical prostatectomy” Pg 216, PROSTATE BOOK. Translated, “they sell what they have!”
John’s Hopkins Medicine has always been my personal resource for everything true, but unfortunately they fall short on Protons and should talk to Dr. Jerry Slater, Chairman, or Dr. Carl Rossi at Loma Linda Proton Treatment Center where 7,743 Prostate cancer patients have been treated, or Dr. James Cox, chief of radiation oncology at M.D. Anderson and get the latest on Proton Therapy.
Just once again, I DO NOT HAVE ANY SIDE EFFECTS, SEVEN YEARS, FOUR MONTHS POST TREATMENT, AND I WAS TREATED AT THE 79 Gy level of radiation.
Jim Tuggey
January 11, 2007
NO MEDICAL ADVICE: Material appearing here represents opinions offered by non-medically-trained laypersons. Comments shown here should NEVER be interpreted as specific medical advice and must be used only as background information when consulting with a qualified medical professional.
