News & Events
Spotlight On: Trigeminal Neuralgia
Though primarily used to treat benign and malignant tumors, stereotactic radiosurgery can also treat additional medical conditions, including a rare nerve disorder, trigeminal neuralgia (TN).
Excruciating facial pain triggered by everyday activities such as chewing, talking or swallowing characterizes the debilitating condition. TN can often be mistaken for a dental problem, since the disorder usually causes sharp pain in the jaw. Diagnosis sometimes takes several years, as patients may undergo root canals or tooth extractions in an attempt to relieve their pain.
TN can occur when a blood vessel compresses the fifth cranial nerve, one of the largest nerves in the head. Many times, no cause can be found. As the pain intensifies, patients find themselves unable to predict what may trigger the next episode. Treatment typically involves powerful painkilling drugs or other antidepressant or anticonvulsive medication.
Using CyberKnife® technology, our center performs stereotactic radiosurgery, a noninvasive method of treating certain types of tumors and conditions like TN with high-dose radiation beams delivered in five or fewer procedures. To treat a patient with TN, the CyberKnife delivers very precise radiation beams to a targeted segment of the trigeminal nerve to interrupt pain-causing fibers. The pinpoint accuracy of the procedure spares healthy tissue and allows us to treat difficult-to-reach targets without surgery or sedation.
TN treatment is typically a one-time, outpatient procedure and is completed within an hour. TN does not have a cure, but pain can be reduced or eliminated in about 85 to 90 percent of patients who are treated with stereotactic radiosurgery.
Celebrate Men’s Health Month in June
June is Men’s Health Month! This time is dedicated to raising awareness of preventable health problems men may encounter through health education, fundraising and advocacy efforts promoting early detection and treatment of disease.
Here’s how you can get involved:
- Wear blue. The Men’s Health Network created the initiative to support men’s health efforts. Learn more here.
- Spread the word. Encourage your male family members, friends and coworkers to attend annual doctor appointments and seek medical advice when necessary.
- Get active. Organize a fitness event to get the men in your life moving.
- Know the risks and symptoms of conditions that commonly affect men. Heart disease, stroke, diabetes and prostate cancer are among the most important health issues facing men today. Learn how Austin CyberKnife treats prostate cancer.
Austin CyberKnife Expands Collaboration with Neurosurgeons Citywide to Provide Multispecialty Care for Brain Tumor Patients
Austin CyberKnife’s team of physicians has treated 450 patients with brain tumors since the launch of the CyberKnife® program at University Medical Center Brackenridge. The number of brain tumor patients treated with CyberKnife is expected to increase as the center works to raise awareness of CyberKnife as a treatment option through greater collaboration with local neurosurgical groups.
Austin CyberKnife’s network of collaborative partnerships now includes all neurosurgical groups throughout Austin as part of the center’s ongoing effort to provide multispecialty care to patients affected by brain tumors, as well as broadening awareness for treatment options during Brain Tumor Awareness Month and beyond.
In 2011, Austin CyberKnife expanded the clinical applications of its CyberKnife technology to treat tumors in other areas of the body, such as the lungs and prostate, but brain tumors continue to represent the largest number of treatments, accounting for about 65 percent of all patients.
“Given the large number of brain tumor patients our physician team has treated over the years, we’ve developed specialized expertise in CyberKnife treatment for this disease,” said Austin CyberKnife medical director Dr. Doug Rivera. “Through our networking efforts with neurosurgeons in the area, we hope to further enhance our approach to treating brain tumors by including a diverse group of physicians with backgrounds in neurosurgery and radiation oncology.”
Austin CyberKnife treats brain tumors with an advanced procedure called stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) using CyberKnife. During treatment, high-dose radiation beams are delivered to the tumor with sub-millimeter accuracy.
Patients with primary brain tumors, brain metastases or who require or seek a nonsurgical option can be candidates for CyberKnife treatment. Brain tumors can be treated with surgery or conventional radiation therapy, both of which may pose treatment challenges due to the sensitive tissue around tumors in the head. CyberKnife decreases the risk of harming healthy brain tissue surrounding a tumor by tracking the tumor in real time during treatment and adjusting for patient movement.
CyberKnife typically treats brain tumors in a single outpatient session, but treatment could take up to five sessions depending on the individual diagnosis. In contrast, conventional radiation therapy for brain tumors may require consecutive treatments five days per week for up to six weeks.
In addition to treating brain tumors, Austin CyberKnife treats malignant and benign tumors in the prostate, spine, lung, liver, pancreas, kidney and eye.
Spotlight On: Austin Cancer Centers and Georgetown Cancer Center
Austin Cancer Centers and Georgetown Cancer Center—the physician group partners of Austin CyberKnife—are committed to fighting cancer in the Greater Austin area and the five counties surrounding the city. The physician group was founded in 1973 by Dr. George Brown, whose vision was to provide patients the highest standard of care with the utmost compassion and dedication.
Austin Cancer Centers and Georgetown Cancer Center are made up of medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, oncologic surgeons and staff with expertise in a wide variety of cancer treatment methods. The team collaborates with physicians and staff to assist patients from diagnosis through all phases of treatment and care. The center also coordinates support services, including physical therapy, nutrition counseling, wigs and hats, yoga and psychological counseling.
Austin CyberKnife medical director Dr. Doug Rivera and radiation oncologists Dr. Stephen Brown, Dr. Shannon Cox and Dr. Paiman Ghafoori are members of Austin Cancer Centers and Georgetown Cancer Center.
We are so proud to be a part of such a caring and accomplished physician group! For more information, visit their website.
ASTRO Endorses Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy As First-Line Prostate Cancer Treatment Option
The American Society for Radiation Oncology has announced the classification of stereotactic body radiation therapy as a first-line treatment option for prostate cancer.
As a first-line treatment, SBRT can be considered a primary form of treatment for prostate cancer. The results of long-term clinical trials supporting the safety and efficacy of stereotactic body radiation in treating prostate cancer led ASTRO to announce the decision. The results of clinical studies show patient outcomes with SBRT are at least as good as other forms of radiotherapy treatments.
Austin CyberKnife performs SBRT using CyberKnife® technology. During the procedure, the CyberKnife delivers precisely targeted, high-dose radiation beams to the prostate. CyberKnife treatment is painless and requires no cutting or sedation. Patients are treated in five or fewer sessions and experience few to no side effects.
ASTRO classifies treatments into first- and second-line options to help define coverage policies for various radiation oncology services. Read more about more ASTRO’s policy on SBRT here.
Austin CyberKnife is pleased with this exciting milestone! For more information about the benefits of SBRT in treating prostate cancer, click here.
Blog for a Cure: Influential Prostate Cancer Blogs
For diagnosed prostate cancer patients and families seeking information, the most powerful insights can come from those who have experienced the disease firsthand. Connecting with other patients or their families can provide a community for emotional support and a comfortable space to seek advice.
Check out the blogs below for some of the most influential prostate cancer blogs around the web.
Dan Zenka, the president of the Prostate Cancer Foundation, blogs about his experience after being diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2010. He shares his personal experiences, relevant news items and recaps from local prostate cancer events.
Dr. John McHugh is a private practice urologist and prostate cancer survivor. He posts weekly entries detailing treatment options, debunking prostate cancer myths, sharing personal experiences and the stories of other prostate cancer survivors.
Diagnosed at 35, Gabe Canales blogs for the Huffington Post to highlight the latest in prostate cancer treatment and prevention. He interviews doctors and activists across the nation to discover prevention methods, technological advancements in treatment and how to contribute to the prostate cancer community. Read his post on CyberKnife® here.
To discover more top prostate cancer blogs, view ShareCare’s Top 10 List.
This post is part of a series dedicated to addressing one of the most important health issues facing men today. Check our blog for additional information about prostate cancer and the unique benefits of CyberKnife® treatment.
Profiles in CyberKnife Treatment: Role of the CyberKnife Nurse
From the initial consultation with our treatment team to follow-up appointments with your CyberKnife® physician, the CyberKnife nurse works to address the needs and concerns of the patient.
The CyberKnife nurse provides clinical support and care coordination for patients. This includes assisting the CyberKnife radiation oncologist during patient consultation, educating patients and families in preparation for treatment, managing symptoms and coordinating appointments and treatment schedules.
Lori Eitelbach serves as our center’s CyberKnife nurse. We are so grateful for the support and guidance she provides to our patients and their loved ones!
Get Active: Supporting the Prostate Cancer Community
From support groups to events, prostate cancer patients and their families have numerous opportunities to support the cancer community locally and nationally.
Here’s how you can support prostate cancer awareness and research efforts locally:
- Attend a local event: National organizations like the Prostate Cancer Foundation and Us Too give patients and their families networks for support and host community events to raise awareness for the fight against prostate cancer.
- For your calendar: American Cancer Society Relay for Life: April 26 in Austin
- Host Your Own Event: Both the PCF and Us Too provide resources for groups to host their own event, like Pints for Prostates or Arnie’s Army.
- Volunteer: Volunteer at local events or cancer treatment centers to help educate men, caregivers and loved ones on prostate cancer and network with other advocates.
- Participate in Research: Participate in a clinical trial while undergoing treatment. To search for clinical trials in the Austin area, click here.
This post is part of a series dedicated to addressing one of the most important health issues facing men today. Check our blog for additional information about prostate cancer and the unique benefits of CyberKnife® treatment.
Spotlight On: Prostate Cancer Foundation
The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) is a dynamic organization committed to funding cutting-edge prostate cancer research. Since 1993, the PCF has funded more than 1,600 programs at nearly 200 research facilities around the world. In 2012, the organization raised a record $47 million and expanded their research programs to China.
Each year, the PCF partners with sports giants like Arnold Palmer, Jim Thorne and Chipper Jones to organize special programs to support prostate cancer research. The organization also acts as a resource for cancer patients and their families, providing information about prostate cancer, treatment options, financial resources and support groups.
For more information on the PCF and for ways to get involved, visit their website.
From the Doc: Benefits of CyberKnife for Prostate Cancer Patients
Find out how stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) with CyberKnife® can benefit prostate cancer patients. Below are some advantages from our medical director Dr. Douglas Rivera.
What sets CyberKnife apart from other treatment options?
CyberKnife offers patients a noninvasive treatment option that doesn’t impede on their lifestyle. CyberKnife can treat prostate cancer patients in five or fewer sessions, a much shorter time period than conventional forms of treatment, and patients can return to their normal routines immediately following each session. The accuracy of treatment can also reduce side effects associated with other forms of treatment for prostate cancer. View our treatment options overview here.
How is SBRT with CyberKnife different from conventional radiation therapy?
CyberKnife has the ability to directly target the prostate while compensating for normal patient movements, which minimizes radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. Treatment time is also significantly shorter given traditional radiation therapy can last up to seven to eight weeks. CyberKnife treatment for prostate cancer is completed within five sessions over a period lasting one to two weeks.
Is SBRT more expensive than other treatment options?
No, a recent study titled “Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of SBRT Versus IMRT” compared the cost of SBRT and IMRT for treatment of low- to intermediate-risk prostate cancer. The study revealed that on average the cost of SBRT was nearly $14,000 less than IMRT. Learn more about the study here.
To find out whether you may be a candidate for CyberKnife treatment, request more information.