Trial Tests new Procedure for Prostate Cancer Patients
June 6th, 2008 Posted in prostate cryotherapyFor prostate cancer patients who fail radiation therapy, there have not been many treatment choices. A major clinical trial is underway to test a procedure to freeze cancerous cells called Salvage Cryo Therapy.The University of Colorado Cancer Center is the lead institution in the trial.
“If we’re looking at men who failed radiation in the past they had fairly limited options. Now we have an opportunity to look at what we call salvage treatments or a second chance and that’s what the study’s all about,” explained Dr. David Crawford.
Doctors are guided by ultra sound imaging.
They insert needles into the prostate that deliver Argon Gas for freezing.
The prostate is then defrosted and refrozen to help ensure the cancer is destroyed. The entire procedure takes less than two hours.
David Sutton is among patients at institutions across the country participating in a clinical trial on Cryo Therapy.
“For the first time in six years I’ve got a positive outlook on what I might look forward to,” said Sutton.