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New treatment for prostate cancer allows greater precision in targeting radiation

SYRACUSE, N.Y.— University Hospital of SUNY Upstate Medical University is first hospital in the region to offer the a new treatment for prostate cancer that allows clinicians to accurately manage the delivery of radiation to prostate cancer tumors. Also referred to as "GPS for the Body," the Calypso 4D Localization System provides for the delivery of precision-guided radiation therapy to the prostate with continuous, objective, organ-motion detection and monitoring.

According to Jeffrey Bogart, M.D., professor and chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology at SUNY Upstate, organ motion, which naturally occurs as a result of normal body physiology—such as the bladder filling—may cause the prostate to move slightly, potentially compromising the precise delivery of radiation during treatment.

"The Calypso system enables physicians to detect the slightest tumor movement in real-time so accurate radiation therapy can be delivered while reducing the risk of damage to healthy surrounding organs and tissues, which can lead to common side effects such as bladder irritation and changes in bowel function," Bogart said.

The key feature of the Calypso System is its Beacon electromagnetic transponders. Three Beacon transponders, each the size of a small grain of rice, are implanted in the patient's prostate before radiation therapy is initiated. The Beacon transponders communicate with the Calypso System to continuously locate the tumor target and monitor its location during each radiation treatment.

Currently, there is no other technology available that offers an accurate, continuous, real-time method during the radiation treatments for precisely locating, monitoring and tracking the tumor at all times. With a greater accuracy and precision of the external beam, radiation therapy clinicians have more treatment delivery options to optimize cure rates and minimize collateral damage to healthy tissues.

The Calypso System has also been cleared by the Food and Drug Administration for post-prostatectomy patients at risk or diagnosed with recurrent prostate cancer. Studies indicate up to 20 percent of prostatectomy patients are diagnosed with recurrent prostate cancer following surgery and require follow-up radiation therapy.

To learn more about the Calypso System, call 315-464-5276.

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