Medically Reviewed by Jordan Gainey, MD

Dr. Jordan Gainey, a Radiation Oncologist with the McLeod Centers for Cancer Treatment and Research, discusses the evolving landscape of prostate cancer treatment and shares insights on how radiation therapy works, the latest technological advancements, and what patients can do to protect their health.

Question: How is radiation therapy effective in treating prostate cancer?

Dr. Gainey: Radiation therapy is especially effective because it targets rapidly dividing cells. While prostate cancer is typically slow-growing, it still divides more quickly than surrounding healthy tissue. Radiation damages these cancer cells because while the normal organs can heal between treatments, the cancer doesn’t have that option and is ultimately killed by the radiation therapy.

Q: What new advancements have been made in radiation oncology that you believe benefit patients with prostate cancer?

Dr. Gainey: There are a couple of latest advancements in radiation oncology for prostate cancer.

For men with low-risk prostate cancer, it used to be the only option we had for them was to undergo eight weeks worth of 40 treatments. Today, for men with low-risk prostate cancer, we can offer Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT), which is a high dose, very precise treatment that can be delivered in five treatments.

For high-risk prostate cancer, one of the latest advancements is FLAME radiation, which involves 35 treatments. This is a newer technique where we deliver a very focal, very high dose of radiation, but only to the high grade cancer, leaving the normal organs alone. This is the regimen that has the highest chance of curing a high-risk prostate cancer.

For metastatic prostate cancer, the latest advancement is Pluvicto. This is a radioactive medicine that is injected through an IV and specifically attaches itself to prostate cancer to deliver focal radiation directly to the metastatic prostate cancer.

Q: What treatment innovations are happening at McLeod?

Dr. Gainey: Since I joined McLeod, we have implemented SBRT, FLAME radiation, and Pluvicto therapies for prostate cancer. We’re also participating in a national clinical trial called the High Five Trial (NRG-GU013), which is testing whether we can effectively treat high-risk prostate cancer using just five sessions of SBRT instead of the traditional FLAME protocol.

Q: Why should people feel confident coming to McLeod for cancer treatment?

Dr. Gainey: McLeod is committed to delivering top-tier cancer care. We offer the latest treatments and access to cutting-edge clinical trials. Our radiation oncology department holds multiple certifications recognizing our high quality of care — particularly in our SBRT program.

Cancer treatment is a team effort. At McLeod, we have a dedicated Tumor Board that meets weekly to review and coordinate care for complex cases. This collaborative approach ensures each patient benefits from the collective expertise of multiple specialists.

Q: Is there anything people can do to reduce their chances of needing cancer treatment?

Dr. Gainey: For one, if you stop smoking it is going to decrease your chances of meeting a radiation oncologist. Also maintaining a healthy diet, good activity levels, and staying on top of screening for cancers — prostate cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, and, for women, cervical cancer and breast cancer. These are all cancers that we have the potential to detect at an earlier stage of disease where we can offer more treatment options.