Advancements in Radiation Therapy Lead to Better Outcomes in Fewer Treatments

August 2022 - Radiation therapy plays an important role in the treatment of many cancers. In fact, half of all cancer patients will receive radiation therapy. Fortunately, advancements over the past decade have made getting this vital treatment more convenient for patients, and it’s available at Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital.

ADVANCED IMAGING ALLOWS IMPROVED VISUALIZATION OF CANCER TUMORS

*Numbers are based on an example case. Each patient will work with their care team to determine the best course needed for their individual treatment plan.

In the past, a patient might have needed 35 sessions of radiation therapy. However, today, they might only need five. Typically delivered every consecutive weekday, this means it’s possible radiation therapy could be completed in just one week, allowing patients to return to their lives in 80% less time with the need for fewer rides to the hospital and time off from work. To make it even more convenient, each session is completed on an outpatient basis and takes only 15 to 30 minutes.

While every case is unique, this shortened treatment period has been proven to effectively treat the most common cancers — lung, breast, rectal and prostate — as well as other cancers as promising results emerge from clinical trials. “The need for fewer treatments through a more targeted approach has made radiation much more convenient and cost effective, while also resulting in better outcomes,” shares Shahed Badiyan, MD, a Washington University radiation oncologist at Siteman St. Peters. “It has truly revolutionized the patient experience.”

Technology has played a key role in making this possible. More precise imaging, both before treatment and during, allows radiation oncologists and therapists to better target tumors in the body or brain and safely yet effectively kill cancer. “Exciting advances in imaging allow improved visualization of the tumor so the radiation team can deliver precise high-dose radiation while sparing neighboring healthy tissue. Advances have also allowed accurate radiation delivery while accounting for tumor movement, like during normal respiration,” explains Lannis Hall, MD, MPH, a Washington University radiation oncologist at Siteman St. Peters.

Siteman St. Peters offers the most advanced radiation therapy, ranging from stereotactic body radiation therapy to brachytherapy treatment for early-stage prostate cancer. It is equipped with seven radiation oncology exam rooms, a CT simulator for radiation therapy treatment planning and two state-of-the-art linear accelerators.

In addition to offering groundbreaking treatment, Siteman has over 500 active clinical trials, a leading genome institute and a multidisciplinary support team to provide patients with holistic care. Siteman also provides cancer screening to detect cancer early when it’s most treatable and even prevent some cancers from occurring. Whether it’s prevention or treatment, Siteman St. Peters offers world-class cancer care in St. Charles County.

SCHEDULE YOUR SCREENINGS

Getting screening tests regularly may find cancers early when treatment is likely to work best. Ask your primary care provider about screening choices and determine which tests are right for you. If you meet criteria, contact us to schedule your screening at Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital.

• To schedule a mammogram, call 636.916.9320
• To schedule a colonoscopy, call 636.928.9355 (WELL)
• For information about lung cancer screening, call 636.723.9260
• For information about prostate specific antigen (PSA) screening, call 636.928.9355 (WELL).