Recent advancements in the study of cancer treatment are leading to fewer visits and side effects for patients receiving treatment through the Round Rock location of Baylor Scott & White Cancer Center.
What you need to know
Per the hospital system, breast cancer patients receiving radiation treatment services trough the cancer center are benefiting from industry advancements in cancer research. In particular, breast cancer patients are experiencing fewer treatment sessions, down from 30 to as few as six; less fatigue and skin reactions; and fewer trips back and forth from the clinic, potentially bringing relief to working families and helping patients return to a sense of normalcy during a difficult time.
What they're saying
Dr. Prashant Gabani, an MD whose background is in radiation oncology and works at the cancer center, said this is because patients are receiving higher, specifically targeted doses of radiation while protecting surrounding tissues.
"Over the last last at least 10 years or so, we have seen not just in breast oncology but all across the board, shortening durations," Gabani said. "That doesn't necessarily mean less dose, it just means higher dose per treatment, thereby lowering the duration of the treatment. It comes down to engineering and the technology that's evolved."
What's next?
Gabani said the cancer center is working to procure an attachment to its existing imaging system that will allow patients to receive further targeted cancer treatment.
