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Men with prostate cancer will soon be able to see the successful results of a pioneering trial of a new treatment by Oncologist Doctors at the RUH, thanks to the initial funding of equipment by the Bath Cancer Unit Support Group (BCUSG) and the Master Masons.

Developed in America, the treatment called "Brachytherapy" which is still at the development stage can be used instead of major surgery, often taking just a day to carry out and involves planting radioactive seeds into the gland to tackle the cancer insitu.

Permission to start the trial was granted with the treatment of first patients commencing in November 2004.

Jonathan McFarlane, a consultant urologist at the RUH says, that the number of prostate cancer cases has rocketed and with treatment options fairly limited, the use of brachytherapy (a well established treatment in other parts of the world) is a welcome addition in the fight against this particular cancer. 

Prostate cancer is the most common type of male cancer in the U.K. with 25000 men diagnosed each year and 10000 dying as a result. 

Because brachytherapy is not yet recognised in the eyes of the NHS Commissioners it is being classified as a trial by the Royal United Hospital

Just 15 Hospitals in the U.K. offer this treatment with the R.U.H being one of the first in the West Country. 

BCUSG trustee, Les Dymond, whose brother Michael (formerly Editor of our Newsletter Supportline died after a 10 year battle with Prostate Cancer) together with his fellow trustees have given this trial their full backing and support. 

Les said, "we have high hopes and with your help we can continue this assistance.

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