Has Anyone Completed Prostate Radiation Without Markers?

Hi Joeg, Thanks for the excellent question. While I can't speak directly about receiving radiation without fiducial markers, I do know that it is increasing in frequency. I thought you might be interested in this point-counter point discussion between two distinguished radiologists on the merits of radiation both with and without the markers: https://aapm.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/mp.12633. Your doctor should be able to provide further guidance on the points both for and against. Wishing you the best. Richard (ProstateCancer.net Team)

Hi . We posted your question to our facebook community. I wanted to share what others said in the comments.

Tedd: "I would think radiation without markers would be a waste of time and money. Markers are put so the people can line you up with the radiation machine. without the markets it would only be a guess game."

Richard: "Hi Tedd. Understand what you are saying. What is meant by not using markers really needs to be explained better. The idea is that with image guided radiation therapy, the invasive aspect of placing the markers is no longer necessary because the doctor can see in real time where to guide the beam. There is still considered to be pros and cons and I linked to a discussion on some of these between a couple of experts just above in this string. Best, Richard"

Richard: "Hi Tedd. I want to provide an update of sorts. I spoke with my father-in-law who had a combination of standard external beam radiation therapy and Cyberknife last summer at NYU. His doctor has literally done more Cyberknife treatments than anyone in the country and he does use the fiducial markers. While the markers may not be necessary, it does seem to be telling that the doctor with the most experience still chooses to use them. Best, Richard"

Charlie: "Just completed Cyberknife 5 high dose treatments with markers."

Richard: "Hi Charlie. Of the people here who have written in about having Cyberknife treatment, pretty much everyone has had positive things to say. Hoping the trend continues with you. Best, Richard"

Sam: "Not me"

We hope this provides further insight into our communities experiences. This is a great question.

Thank you for sharing.

-Amylyn (ProstateCancer.net, Team Member)

The markers I'm referring to are the fiducial markers.i was told when being treated with the true beam system it can be done without the implanted gold seed markers because the machine uses cone beam imaging.has anyone been treated without these gold seed markers