While prostate cancer affects one in eight men, early detection and advanced treatment options mean patients are living longer, healthier lives after diagnosis, according to the American Cancer Society. Edward Soffen, MD, radiation oncologist at the Statesir Cancer Center at CentraState, is helping pioneer a way to improve outcomes for men undergoing radiation for prostate cancer.
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland in the male reproductive system found below the bladder in front of the rectum. Targeted radiation therapy is the gold standard for treating prostate cancer. However, treatment may cause rectal pain, bleeding and painful bowel movements for years after therapy.
A Better Way to Battle Cancer
To help protect healthy tissue and reduce the long-term side effects some men experience during and after radiation treatment, Dr. Soffen has been involved in clinical research that investigates the use of spacers to reduce radiation-related toxicity to the rectum during treatment. In his research, he was asked to test a new type of spacer – the BioProtect Balloon Implant™ System – which was recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
The balloon spacer is a small, biodegradable “pillow” made from the same material as dissolvable sutures. It is surgically placed between the prostate and rectum and filled with saline before radiation therapy. Inflating the balloon creates space between the organs and moves healthy, non-cancerous tissue out of the way of radiation.
Because the spacer can be deflated and repositioned for the best fit, it’s more comfortable for patients. The insertion procedure takes about 10 minutes under local anesthesia, making it nearly painless. Patients typically drive home afterward. The balloon stays inside the body, fully dissolving after about six months.
“We’ve perfected this technique, which can be done safely and pain-free without the potential complications associated with general anesthesia,” explains Dr. Soffen, the first radiation oncologist in New Jersey and the second in the country to use BioProtect.
Research has shown that the use of balloon spacers can significantly reduce the risk of rectal radiation and potential side effects.
“Treatment of prostate cancer keeps evolving, and this device is the new standard of care to help improve quality of life for patients,” Dr. Soffen says. “CentraState is playing an
important role in bringing this technology to market. The radiation oncology treatment options at the Statesir Cancer Center are among the best in the state. This is yet another tool in our arsenal.”
Cancer Care At CentraState
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