For Immediate Release
October 31, 2000
Contact: Maria E. Ramos
(219) 865-2141, ext. 45321
Maria.Ramos@ssfhs.org

Hammond, Ind - - John Vrlik, lifelong Whiting resident, beams when asked to tell his story about treatment he chose for his prostate cancer. After receiving CT-guided prostate seed implants at Saint Margaret Mercy’s Oncology Center, he is happy to report that in just three months, his prostate-specific antigen (PSA) has gone down to 1.7 ng/ml.

Vrlik, 77, faithfully went to his urologist, Dr. Howard Diamond, for an annual check-up. His exam always included a PSA blood test, with the results usually around 4.0 ng/ml. But in December 1999, Vrlik’s PSA jumped to 9.0 ng/ml.

“Dr. Diamond suggested a series of tests, including an ultrasound biopsy that came back abnormal, and a bone scan that showed there was no cancer in the bone,” Vrlik said. “On December 21, Dr. Diamond told me I had early stage prostate cancer, but he also said I was a candidate for a new procedure having to do with seed implants.”

On February 24, the day before his birthday, Vrlik went to Saint Margaret Mercy’s Oncology Center for the procedure. “I laid down for about an hour afterwards, but was up and about after that,” he said. “I had no side effects.”

On June 9, Vrlik’s PSA was retested and dropped to an amazing 1.7 ng/ml. “When I went to tell my wife, I had a big smile on my face,” Vrlik said. “I wanted to cry, I was so very happy. I had lost two sisters from colon cancer.”

His wife, Margaret (Marge), said “It was like a miracle happened. We’re so happy. We want everyone to know about this procedure, that it’s available right here in Hammond, Ind.”

Vrlik added: “I can’t over praise the wonderful staff and team of physicians at Saint Margaret Mercy enough.”

Dr. Urmi P. Kalokhe, radiation oncologist and Medical Director of the Oncology Center, performed the procedure using about 100-150 radioactive seeds.

“The seeds that are used have a limited range, just a few millimeters, so it is important to place them precisely to deliver a uniform dose,” Dr. Kalokhe said. “If the seeds are implanted too close together, the dose is too high; if they are too far apart, the dose is too low.”

The seeds are inserted in rows at a specific distance apart, using a special applicator.

“By doing it under CT guidance, we can be more accurate than by ultrasound,” Dr. Kalokhe said. “Also, the approach from the back is better, with fewer limitations, as compared to other techniques.”

The radiation oncologist is able to see the urethra more clearly and can see exactly where the needles enter beyond the urethra. Radiation to the rectum is also limited.

“We are able to shrink the rectal size by using suppositories, so there are fewer side effects,” Dr. Kalokhe added. “There is virtually no post-implant recovery time and hardly any limitations.”

The procedure is a one-time treatment, followed up by PSA tests and exams. Since the maximum doses are delivered to structures in the area, the procedure is not repeated. Best results of long-term cancer control are seen in individuals whose PSA returns to below 1.0 ng/ml by one year after the procedure.

Dr. Kalokhe is most pleased with Mr. Vrlik’s response to treatment with virtually no side effects.

For more information on CT-guided prostate seed implants, call Saint Margaret Mercy’s Oncology Center at (219) 932-2300, ext. 32130.