New Jersey CyberKnife Shares Advancements in Research, Prostate Cancer Treatment

As New Jersey CyberKnife collaborates with the University of Pittsburgh to offer an ongoing clinical trial examining stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for prostate cancer treatment, the center’s medical director, Dr. David D’Ambrosio, is spearheading an analysis of national data on CyberKnife® SBRT treatment outcomes and plans to publish his findings.
 
“The research our physician team is working on will build upon existing studies analyzing the efficacy of SBRT for prostate cancer patients,” Dr. D’Ambrosio said. “We hope our research efforts continue to raise awareness of this treatment method and provide patients with information supported by scientific research to help guide their treatment decisions.”
 
New Jersey CyberKnife has treated more than 40 men with prostate cancer. The center uses CyberKnife technology to treat patients with SBRT, a procedure in which high doses of radiation are delivered to a tumor with sub-millimeter accuracy in five or fewer procedures.
 
To ensure patients are fully informed on treatment options, New Jersey CyberKnife employs a multidisciplinary approach to patient care. Using this approach, radiation oncologists collaborate with physicians and specialists from various fields to examine a patient’s case and collectively determine the best method of treatment.
 
“The CyberKnife treatment process is based around collaboration,” said New Jersey CyberKnife Radiation Therapist Marilyn Clayton. “Our team has developed expertise treating patients with SBRT using this technology, and our treatment approach has been enhanced by incorporating input from other physicians in our treatment planning process.”
 
The collaborative approach used by New Jersey CyberKnife mirrors industry initiatives to improve quality of care and life post-treatment for cancer patients. Patient care and quality of life was a major focus during the 2013 American Society for Radiation Oncology meeting. Attendees discussed methods for ensuring patients receive guidance and individual care throughout their treatment and the importance of maintaining a good quality of life following treatment.
 
New Jersey CyberKnife at the J. Phillip Citta Regional Cancer Center is a service of Community Medical Center, an affiliate of Barnabas Health. The center is located at 99 Route 37 West in Toms River, N.J. For more information, call (732) 557-3120.