In a significant medical breakthrough, a man from Bairnsdale has become the very first participant in a groundbreaking clinical trial aimed at treating recurring localized prostate cancer. This innovative treatment, known as stereotactic ablative body radiation therapy (SABR), is being conducted at Latrobe Regional Health (LRH) in collaboration with The Alfred hospital.
Gerrit van Rijswijk, the patient in question, is undergoing this cutting-edge procedure which administers a highly targeted dose of radiation directly to the prostate while carefully sparing the surrounding healthy tissues. The entire treatment process is structured into five weekly sessions, designed to maximize effectiveness.
This trial is specifically geared towards individuals like Gerrit, who are dealing with recurrent prostate cancer that remains limited to the prostate gland and who have already undergone previous radiation treatments. Traditionally, patients in such situations were often considered beyond hope, with few, if any, alternative therapies available to them.
Gerrit’s journey began in 2015 when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer following a standard blood test. He subsequently received eight weeks of radiation therapy at LRH. For several years thereafter, his health seemed stable as follow-up blood tests indicated that the cancer was under control. It wasn’t until 2022 that PSA tests pointed towards a resurgence of the disease. Fortunately, subsequent scans confirmed that the cancer had not spread and remained confined within the prostate.
Professor Wee Loon Ong, a specialist radiation oncologist at The Alfred, emphasized the importance of this trial for Gerrit, offering him a renewed opportunity to potentially eliminate his cancer. "In Gerrit’s case, since the cancer is still localized to the prostate, this advanced technology allows us to deliver much more concentrated doses of radiation," explained Prof Ong. He added that they will continue to monitor Gerrit's progress post-trial with regular blood tests and necessary scans.
One of the key advantages of the SABR trial is its alignment with the Teletrial model, which enables patients from the Gippsland region to receive their treatment locally at LRH instead of the arduous journey to Melbourne. "Living in East Gippsland, it's much more practical for me to come to LRH. I don't have to find accommodation, and I can manage the trip in a single day," Gerrit expressed. "I prefer the comfort of a smaller hospital, and I am thrilled that this trial is taking place. I genuinely hope it can bring benefits to others in similar situations."
Prof Ong also noted that providing specialized medical care closer to home significantly reduces the stress faced by regional and rural patients when seeking treatment. This includes alleviating the financial burden and the emotional toll of being away from work, family, and personal responsibilities for extended periods.
This initiative marks just the beginning of a series of prostate SABR trials that will be available at LRH, with Dr. Therese Kang co-leading the efforts and more trials set to launch later this year. Dr. Kang, who serves as a part-time Radiation Oncologist at The Alfred and holds a fellowship in Prostate SABR at LRH, is partly supported by funding from the Latrobe's Biggest Ever Blokes BBQ charity.
Jhodie Duncan, the research general manager at LRH, highlighted the critical role of partnerships with organizations like the Australian Teletrial Program, TrialHub, and the Radiation Therapy Network in bringing innovative clinical trials to the region. "Since we initiated our clinical trials program in 2019, Latrobe Regional Health has been dedicated to broadening access to high-quality research opportunities for residents of Gippsland, ensuring they can receive state-of-the-art care right in their own community."
