With the help of sister company North Dallas Radiation Oncology Center, Dr. Mark Allen of North Dallas Urology Associates brings a new technology to North Texas prostate cancer patients to help reduce the side effects of prostate cancer radiation therapy. According to CBS 11 News Dallas, “North Dallas Radiation Oncology, in Plano, is one of the only Texas facilities using the Calypso 4D Localization System, otherwise known as GPS for the body.” This technology allows the radiation to be directed specifically on the malignant tissue and prevents healthy tissue from accidental irradiation thus reducing long-term side effects.
What is Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer?
The Calypso 4D Localization System, also known as body GPS, has become the treatment of choice for thousands of men faced with prostate cancer. It offers a therapeutic approach that cures the cancer while allowing them to remain active and fully functioning.
Dr. Allen, who is one of the only doctors in the Dallas/Fort Worth market who offers the Calypso treatment, said, “Most of my prostate cancer patients want two things: they want reduced side effects as a result of the cancer treatment and they want to keep their quality of life. The Calypso radiation technology uses real-time tracking which is immensely important because it enables us to deliver high amounts of radiation directly to the tumor while sparing all other organs from any exposure. This reduces the side effects which improves their quality of life.”
What is Organ Motion?
For millions of men diagnosed with prostate cancer, there are a few facts to know that will come as a surprise in terms of radiation therapy. The organs within the body move naturally; during radiation therapy, a doctor cannot accurately predict which way these organs will move. If the organs move during radiation treatment, they risk receiving the radiation that is not meant for them.
How Body GPS Works
The Calypso system is known throughout the medical community as body GPS. With a tiny beacon that is inserted into the tumor, Dr. Allen is able to align the radiation directly and precisely to the tumor. This precise and real-time tracking has been clinically proven to raise the quality of life and reduce the side effects associated with prostate cancer radiation therapy.
For additional resources on radiation therapy for prostate cancer, or to determine if you are a candidate for body GPS, please contact Dr. Mark Allen, urology specialist serving the greater Dallas, Plano, Frisco and Richardson, Texas communities.
