Cancer Resource | fall 2009

A Patient Story: The Cancer Center Team Was “Fantastic”

Treatments for cancer are never easy. Prostate cancer patient John Hoaas was fortunate to be able to follow a relatively easy treatment plan, with convenient trips to The Cancer Center just minutes away from his home. Hoaas also benefited from the faster, more precise RapidArc™ radiation therapy.

“The treatments were fairly quick, just a few minutes each time,” says Hoaas, who underwent 43 treatments between March and June 2009. He experienced few side effects during the process, thanks in part to the precision of the RapidArc technology, which allows radiation oncologists to target radiation directly at the cancerous cells, sparing healthy surrounding tissue.

“Dr. Aggarwal met with me weekly to discuss my treatments and how I was feeling,” explains Hoaas. “When I mentioned discomfort, he worked with my urologist to get the care I needed.”

Hoaas says he was pleased with the care he received, from his initial visit to his final treatment. He adds that the team explained every step thoroughly, answered questions clearly, and was always available for help. “They are a fantastic team. It’s the best medical care I’ve ever had anywhere,” he says.

Quick, Accurate Treatment

With RapidArc, an innovation in radiation therapy from Varian Medical Systems, the radiation is delivered for only 90 seconds on average. Patients are in the treatment room for a total of about five minutes, including the time it takes to set up and image the patient before beginning treatment. The shorter treatment time means patients are less likely to move while radiation is delivered, improving its accuracy and effectiveness and potentially minimizing side effects.