Joined: 1/15/2009
Posts: 2
|
My 82 yr. old mother was diagnosed in Feb. 2008 with pancreatic cancer. Long story short, she underwent Cyberknife treatments on that tumor and then tolerated only 9 chemotherapy treatments with Gemzar. Last month she was diagnosed with a gastric outlet obstruction and had a gastrojejunostomy (which has been effective). She is now eating a normal diet. However, the biopsies that were done with the endoscope prior to this surgery came back positive for cancer at the obstruction site (in the "c" portion of the intestine by the duodenum). The gastroenterologist couldn't even get his scope past the obstruction. My question is: Can the Cyberknife be used again in this instance to treat the new tumor growth in the intestine? If not, are there any other possible treatment options? The oncologist has recommended more chemo, but we are so hesitant to do this because of all of the adverse affects that it had on her blood counts. We just don't know what to do about the chemo. From what I have read, the Gemzar may only prolong life by several months. Your opinion would be greatly appreciated, especially regarding additional Cyberknife treatment possibilities. Thanks for your help. Anne
Anne
|
Joined: 10/10/2008
Posts: 2347
|
I think it would likely do more harm than good by scarring the bowel.
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
|
Joined: 5/28/2009
Posts: 8
|
I thought Cyberknife was only done once. is this incorrect information?
Diane
|
Joined: 10/10/2008
Posts: 2347
|
It is way too simplistic to say that. We generally don't plan on treating the same area more than once, but there are exceptions, and certainly there are times when we unexpectedly find the need to re-treat an area. It is always the case with the CK that we are balancing risks and benefits. In fact, that is the case in all cancer treatment.
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
|