Oligometastiatic Cancer, New Hope for Treating Cancer that has Spread

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Jill Chadwick

News Director

Office: (913) 588-5013

Cell: (913) 223-3974

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jchadwick@kumc.edu

Kansas City, Kan- Oligometastatic cancer is a condition where cancer has spread to a few sites. There’s new hope for treatment and control.

Dr. Krishna Reddy explained that oligometastatic cancer can affect prostate, renal cell carcinoma, lung, and colorectal cancers.

Chester Fitch, a prostate cancer survivor, who has oligometastatic cancer, shared his experience with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), which reduced his PSA levels from 1.37 to 0.07.

Chester Fitch, Prostate Cancer Patient

· Chester shares that he thought he was cancer-free after his prostate was removed but was diagnosed with a recurrence a year later due to rising PSA levels.

· He shares his positive experience with SBRT, noting minimal side effects and the convenience of outpatient treatments.

Dr. Krishna Reddy, Radiation Oncologist, The University of Kansas Health System

· Dr. Reddy highlights the role of precision medicine and targeted therapies in treating oligometastatic cancer, emphasizing the importance of a multidisciplinary approach.

· He discusses the balance between extending survival and maintaining quality of life, emphasizing the role of local treatments in minimizing side effects

· Dr. Reddy describes SBRT as a targeted, ablative radiation treatment that can destroy cancer at specific sites with minimal side effects.

Dr. Dana Hawkinson, Medical Director of Infection Prevention and Control, The University of Kansas Health System

· Dr. Hawkinson provides updates on the measles outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico, including over 250 cases, 36 hospitalizations, and two deaths.

· He expresses hope for a decrease in measles cases and emphasizes the importance of vaccination in preventing outbreaks.

· Dr. Hawkinson advises checking vaccination records and considering vaccination if unsure.