Randy Heysek: Post-Operative Radiation

Treatment for Patients with Prostate Cancer

Board certified in radiation oncology, physician Randy Heysek practices in Tampa, Florida, at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute. In

addition to his clinical work and administrative appointments, Dr. Heysek serves as an Assistant

Professor. Randy Heysek graduated from the University of Florida College of Medicine.

A significant percentage of men with prostate cancer experience a recurrence of the disease following

surgery. To determine the effectiveness of the patient’s treatment, a physician reviews blood test results for levels of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA). After surgery, the PSA should remain undetectable for a

month or two. If the patient’s PSA rises, the physician tracks the PSA velocity or doubling time to determine

the aggressiveness of the cancer.

External beam radiation therapy (EBRT) has become a widely accepted treatment modality for men who have had the surgical removal of the prostate, or clinically known as a prostatectomy.

Physicians select this form of therapy when they believe there is a high probability that cancer remains in the region of the prostate.

The EBRT source is a linear accelerator that directs radiation at the prostate. Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) and stereotactic

radiosurgery (SRS) are two primary types of EBRT. Post-operative radiation treatment may be used in conjunction with other

modalities, including hormone therapy. A 2009 Mayo Clinic study demonstrated that EBRT is the only treatment with the potential to

cure men who experience a recurrence of prostate cancer. Similarly, a recently published 10-year study by the European Organisation for

Research and Treatment of Cancer found that the use of radiotherapy prevented the biochemical progression of prostate cancer and showed higher survival rates for patients undergoing

therapy as compared to those not receiving this treatment.