Western Radiation Oncology (WRO) has partnered with Heartland Surgery Center, an affiliate of CHI Health Good Samaritan, to reach a major milestone in cancer care—becoming the first outpatient surgery center in Nebraska to perform Low-Dose Rate (LDR) brachytherapy for prostate cancer. Earlier this week, the first patient in Kearney received this cutting-edge treatment, marking a significant expansion of local access to precision radiation therapy.
What Is LDR Brachytherapy?
LDR brachytherapy is a minimally invasive procedure in which radioactive seeds are placed directly into the prostate. This approach allows physicians to target cancer cells from within, reducing exposure to surrounding organs and potentially lowering the risk of side effects.
“LDR brachytherapy offers a highly effective and personalized approach to treating prostate cancer. By precisely delivering radiation within the prostate, we can achieve excellent long-term cancer control while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue,” says Dr. John Shumway, Radiation Oncologist at Western Radiation Oncology.
Extensive research supports the effectiveness of LDR brachytherapy, which provides excellent long-term control rates for localized prostate cancer with fewer disruptions to daily life compared to external beam radiation.
A Major Advancement for Patients in Central Nebraska
For local patients, the arrival of LDR brachytherapy is a meaningful step forward. “This is an important advancement for patients in Central Nebraska,” said Dr. Garrett Pohlman, Urologist at Kearney Urology Center. “LDR brachytherapy allows men to return home the same day and resume normal activities—bringing precise, proven treatment closer to home.”
By offering this treatment in an outpatient setting, WRO and Heartland Surgery Center enable patients to benefit from advanced cancer care without the need to travel to distant hospitals or take extended time away from work or family.
Expanding Access Through Collaboration
The introduction of LDR brachytherapy reflects the Center’s ongoing commitment to patient-centered innovation and collaboration with leading specialists in radiation oncology and urology. This partnership brings world-class expertise directly to the region.
“Bringing LDR brachytherapy to Kearney means world-class, highly targeted prostate cancer care without leaving home. We are thrilled to be able to offer this treatment at Heartland Surgery Center,” said Ankit Agarwal, MD, Radiation Oncologist at Western Radiation Oncology.
Moving Cancer Care Forward
As the first outpatient facility in Nebraska to offer LDR brachytherapy, Heartland Surgery Center continues to set the pace for expanding access to advanced, convenient, and cost-effective cancer treatment options. With this new capability, men in Central Nebraska can receive state-of-the-art prostate cancer care right in their own community—without compromise.