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Joined: 10/10/2008
Posts: 1
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Three weeks ago I was diagnosed with inoperable cancer of the pancreas (wrapped around portal veirn). I have been referred to a pancreas and liver unit in the UK. My consultant, when I brought up the possibility of me having Cyberknife abroad, was horrified and said that the doctors which carry out this therapy are"sick" and "will just empty your purse." He also said that radiation was not at all effective at treating pancreatic cancer. I am now very confused as I have read and spoken (via email) with three different people who have had cyberknife therapy for pancreas cancer and have seen positive benefits from it. I am due to start chemotherapy in the coming weeks. Would having chemo affect the possible success of Cyberknife? Also a doctor at a hospital in Philadelphia has viewed my CT scan and said that I would be a canidate but the treatment would be for painrelief not curative. Could you explain? Thanks for your time. Janice Aldridge
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Joined: 10/10/2008
Posts: 2347
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Most patients with pancreatic cancer treated with the Ck will achieve local control, and this frequently reduces or eliminates pain and obstruction. However, most patients with pancreatic cancer die from metastatic disease, and no local therapy affects that. We generally advise CK treatment for patients with no metastatic disease and then chemotherapy to slow down the development of metastatic disease.
And I'm the very picture of good health.
Clinton A. Medbery, III, M.D.
Southwest Radiation Oncology
1011 N. Dewey Ave. #101
Oklahoma CIty, OK 73103 USA
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Joined: 1/23/2009
Posts: 1
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My girlfriend (aged 59) was diagnosed with mass on pancreas Dec 2009. Surgeon in London said it was inoperable but chemo followed by radiotherapy; or gemCap on its own; or chemo with a vaccine (trial) were options. He also mentioned that cyberknife was an option but he was not confident in this technology because of the marketing and cost of the treatments. We went to Turkey in Feb 2009 and the Consultant recommended chemo and IMRT then if applicable a boost of cyberknife after the aforesaid treatment. He believed because of the shape of the tumour that CK would not be a suitable treatment. Size of mass approx 5 cm. Did not have chemo and radiotherapy in Turkey as it is available on the NHS in the UK. Returned to UK and started a 3 month treatment of Gem Cap chemo this has just finished. On the recent scan after last cycle, it had showed that the tumour had not increased overall but had grown a tail like proboscis measuring 2 cm. There has to date been no signs of secondary involvement. Our consultant has referred us to another oncologist who is doing a trial with Erlotinib/ Tarceva which works on the growth factor receptors. We hope that a placebo drug is not administered. My question is: Can she still be candidate for cyberknife and if Turkey may not accept her for cyberknife would another facility in the world treat her?
Martin J Concannon
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Joined: 10/10/2008
Posts: 2347
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I Think the decision can only be made after the most recent scans are reviewed. I would send the mto Turk and see what answer you get.
Clinton A. Medbery, III, M.D.
St. Anthony Hospital Cyberknife Center
(405) 272-7311
buddy@swrads.org
Mail to:
Clinton A. Medbery, III, M.D.
Southwest Radiation Oncology
1011 N. Dewey Ave. #101
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
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