Prostate cancer patients now have more options for minimally invasive care, thanks to a collaboration between Dr. Stephen Woolums and Dr. Hans Kim at Southern Ohio Medical Center.

Treating prostate cancer requires multidisciplinary team effort from radiation oncology, medical oncology, and urology. By working together, Dr. Woolums and Dr. Kim are able to provide radiation treatment to certain patients while minimizing the risk of adverse effects.

“Radiation can have harmful side effects, but it can also offer life-saving cancer controlling results,” Dr. Woolums said. “It is my job to select the correct patient for referral.”

Part of the process of achieving life-saving results without the side effects is the use of a product called SpaceOAR gel, which allows for safe application of high-dose radiation. Typically, patients receive between five and 28 treatments. The success rate of these treatments is very high.

“The outcome of the radiation treatment for early-stage prostate cancer is comparable to the outcome from surgery,” Dr. Kim said. As a result, patients can choose less invasive treatments, close to home, without having to sacrifice effectiveness.

Following their treatment, the patient’s recovery continues to be monitored.

“I follow the patient for results and monitor and address any toxicities that ensue from the radiation therapy itself,” Dr. Woolums said. “It is vital to have an open communication between the radiation oncologist and the referring urologist for the best possible outcome for patients.”

The end result is a personalized patient experience that allows for the most effective treatment options.

Nearly 13% of men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their life. Potential symptoms include frequent urination, especially at night; trouble emptying the bladder completely; weak or interrupted flow of urine; pain in the back, hips or pelvis that doesn’t go away; pain or burning during urination or ejaculation and blood in the urine or semen. Men who experience these symptoms, or are 50-years or older, should ask their provider about being screened for prostate cancer.

To learn more, please visit somc.org/services/urology or call 740-356-4URO.