Researchers at the BC Cancer Agency's Vancouver Island Centre are studying a new medical device to help provide effective radiation therapy planning for prostate cancer treatment. This study - the first of its kind in Canada - will be evaluating three-dimensional ultrasound guidance to determine if it is as accurate and better tolerated than the current technique used for pinpointing the prostate's location during treatment.

During the course of external beam radiation therapy for prostate cancer – up to eight weeks of treatment – a man's prostate gland can shift in the body, plus change in shape and size. To help identify the prostate's position, the BC Cancer Agency currently uses gold fiducial markers implanted in the prostate to identify any movement in the gland (as part of a different research study). 

These markers could potentially make the radiation treatment planning more accurate in targeting the cancer, as the radiation fields can be adjusted to meet the prostate's changing position. But while the markers are safe and reliable, they require the insertion of needles, with a small risk of complications and discomfort. The BC Cancer Agency wants to determine if ultrasound is as effective and accurate in planning radiation therapy treatment as the gold markers.

Dr. Eric Berthelet, a radiation oncologist at the BC Cancer Agency, is leading the study.

"We have known for more than a decade that the prostate moves during a course of radiation treatment. The insertion of gold markers to track this movement, has been studied and is currently in use in several cancer centres worldwide. We have a unique opportunity to compare the use of the gold markers to the ultrasound, as an alternative means of tracking prostate movement during radiation," says Dr. Berthelet. "The ultrasound has the advantage of being a non-invasive technique without risks of bleeding, infection and discomfort for our patients. Furthermore, the ultrasound technology is potentially applicable to the treatment of other types of malignancies such as cancers of the breast or the head and neck region."

The BC Cancer Agency recruited the first patient on June 15, 2005, and will be recruiting 30 patients in total for this study, all with a confirmed diagnosis of prostate cancer, and who have chosen external beam radiation therapy for their treatment. Over the course of the treatment, the ultrasound will be used to check the prostate position, and compared to the position recorded by the fiducial markers. Dr. Berthelet expects the study to take three to six months, depending on the speed of recruitment.

This is the first time this technique will be tested in Western Canada. BC Cancer Agency is only the third cancer centre in Canada to benefit from this next-generation 3D ultrasound hardware and software system developed by Montreal-based Resonant Medical. The Vancouver Island Prostate Cancer Research Foundation provided a grant of $100,000 to purchase the equipment, which was provided and installed with exceptional cooperation from Resonant Medical.

The BC Cancer Foundation is delighted that once again, the VIPCRF has stepped forward to help support research and treatment initiatives at the BC Cancer Agency's Vancouver Island Centre.

"The BC Cancer Foundation salutes the incredible dedication and generosity of  the Vancouver Island Prostate Cancer Research Foundation , which makes a real difference in the lives of Vancouver Islanders affected by prostate cancer," says Laura Walsh, director of development for the BC Cancer Foundation, Vancouver Island.

The BC Cancer Agency, a part of the Provincial Health Services Authority, is committed to reducing the incidence of cancer, reducing the mortality from cancer, and improving the quality of life of those living with cancer.  It provides a comprehensive cancer control program for the people of British Columbia by working with community partners to deliver a range of oncology services, including prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, research, education, supportive care, rehabilitation and palliative care.  The BC Cancer Foundation supports research and care at the BC Cancer Agency and BC Cancer Research Centre.

For more information, please contact:
Nicole Adams
Public Relations Officer
BC Cancer Agency
250.519.5500, ex. 6272
604.877.6272