A world expert in the treatment of prostate cancer was guest speaker at an education evening in Port Macquarie on Tuesday, February 13.
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The event was attended by local GPs and specialists.
Dr Mira Keyes is a clinical professor in radiation oncology, division of surgery University of British Columbia.
She is considered an international expert in the field of brachytherapy.
Dr Keyes is one of the four founders of the British Columbia cancer agency prostate brachytherapy program. She is also the chair of the education and schools committee for the American Brachytherapy Society.
The visiting Canadian specialist was part of a pioneering team in the early instances of brachytherapy. That group’s just-published study, including a randomised trial, is considered groundbreaking.
Leading NSW specialist in brachytherapy treatment and external beam radiotherapy for genito-urinary malignancies, Dr Joseph Bucci also attended the evening.
The radiation oncologist works at St George Hospital, St George Private Hospital, Port Macquarie Private Hospital and Waratah Private Hospital.
Brachytherapy is a specialised technique that has been demonstrated to be one of the most effective prostate cancer treatment options.
- Dr Joseph Bucci
Dr Bucci said he considers Dr Keyes a mentor.
"I used to work with Dr Keyes in Vancouver," he said. "We are fortunate to have her speaking in Australia, firstly in Port Macquarie and on Thursday in Sydney.
"The event in Port Macquarie was to educate local GPs about the available options to treat men with prostate cancer so that they can provide the optimal care, support and aid in their treatment decisions.
"Many patients, particularly those in rural locations, may not be aware that radiation therapy is an equally effective and safe treatment option for prostate cancer with excellent cure rates for patients.
"Brachytherapy is a specialised technique that has been demonstrated to be effective for prostate cancer treatment options.
“This treatment, which is done as a single procedure, is available to patients in Port Macquarie enabling them to stay close to home for their treatment."
The medical specialist education evening was presented by the Targeting Cancer campaign, an initiative to increase awareness of radiation therapy as an effective, safe and sophisticated treatment for cancer.