Calvary Mater Newcastle has unveiled a groundbreaking advancement in prostate cancer treatment, positioning itself at the forefront of clinical innovation. The Waratah medical facility is set to implement an MRI-only planning approach, a first for Australia, aimed at enhancing care for prostate cancer patients in the Hunter region.
This pioneering move follows the Radiation Oncology Department’s successful development of a “synthetic CT,” derived entirely from MRI data. The innovation promises to streamline the treatment process while maintaining high standards of accuracy and patient safety.
Revolutionizing Cancer Treatment with Synthetic CT
Dr. Sam Dickson, a key figure in this development, revealed that the department has been collaborating closely with the CSIRO and Siemens to research synthetic CT development and MRI-only workflows. According to Dr. Dickson, this approach significantly reduces patient exposure to additional imaging associated with traditional CT-based planning.
“This innovation not only reduces patient exposure to additional imaging associated with CT-based planning but also removes some of the image registration steps, potentially enhancing the accuracy of treatment,” Dr. Sam Dickson explained.
Moreover, the MRI-only method benefits patients who are not eligible for MRI-only radiotherapy planning by freeing up capacity on the CT simulator, thus improving patient access and accelerating the progression to treatment at Calvary Mater Newcastle.
Efficiency and Precision in Patient Care
One of the notable advantages of this new approach is the reduction in the number of appointments required for patients. Dr. Dickson highlighted that the new system would necessitate only a single planning session, as opposed to separate CT and MRI meetings. This efficiency not only saves time for patients but also optimizes the use of hospital resources.
Calvary Mater Newcastle has extensive experience in integrating MRI into radiation therapy planning for various cancers, traditionally using it alongside CT imaging. This combined approach improves the identification of soft tissue, thereby enhancing the precision of tumor targeting and the protection of surrounding organs.
While the department continues to use MRI in tandem with CT for planning treatments in areas such as the brain, head and neck, chest, abdomen, and pelvis, it is now making significant strides in prostate cancer treatment through advanced technology and artificial intelligence.
Community Impact and Patient Testimonials
Paul Doherty, one of the first patients to benefit from the new approach, expressed his satisfaction with the reduced number of appointments and the efficient use of CT scanner time. “Less appointments gives me back time and frees up valuable CT scanner time for other patients, which is very reassuring,” he said.
“It’s a great achievement for the hospital, the staff involved, and a win for the local community,” Paul Doherty added.
The announcement comes as Calvary Mater Newcastle continues to lead in medical innovations, offering hope and improved outcomes for prostate cancer patients. This development not only highlights the hospital’s commitment to advancing cancer treatment but also underscores the potential for similar innovations to be adopted nationwide.
As the medical community observes the outcomes of this new approach, there is optimism that MRI-only planning could become a standard practice, revolutionizing cancer treatment protocols across Australia and beyond.
For more news stories, stay updated with the latest developments in Newcastle and beyond by subscribing to the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter.
