Treatments & Technologies

Areas of Expertise

Our radiation oncologists design personalized radiation therapy treatments that leverage the latest techniques and cutting-edge technologies such as IMRT and brachytherapy. These minimally invasive treatments are typically painless, cause only mild side effects, and offer new promise in the fight against prostate cancer.

Each year, more than 160,000 men in the United States are diagnosed with prostate cancer. Fortunately, patients have a range of treatment options, including active surveillance, surgery, external beam radiation therapy, and brachytherapy (seed implantation).Choosing the right approach depends on a patient’s specific prostate cancer risk category and overall health. In many cases, a combination of therapies is recommended to achieve the best outcomes.

It is essential to seek care from high-volume physicians who specialize in prostate cancer treatment. Expertise from multiple disciplines — including a urologist (surgeon), radiation oncologist, medical oncologist, and brachytherapist — helps ensure that prostate cancer patients receive the most comprehensive and individualized care.

Our Treatments:

Western Radiation Oncology (WRO) has specialized in advanced, targeted radiation therapies for prostate cancer in California since 1969. Every treatment plan is carefully tailored to each patient’s unique situation, taking into account cancer risk factors and overall health.

• External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT)

WRO offers External Beam Radiation Therapy using advanced delivery methods such as Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) and Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT). These techniques enable highly focused radiation to target the prostate precisely, minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.By improving accuracy and reducing side effects, IMRT and IGRT enhance the safety and effectiveness of EBRT, which remains a standard treatment option for both localized and advanced cases of prostate cancer.

• Low Dose Rate (LDR) Prostate Brachytherapy

At WRO, we specialize in LDR brachytherapy, also known as seed therapy for prostate cancer — a highly precise form of internal radiation therapy. This treatment involves the insertion of tiny radioactive seeds (Palladium-103, chosen for its shorter half-life and rapid dose delivery) directly into the prostate gland, where they emit a continuous, low dose of radiation over several weeks, gradually destroying cancer cells.

Our team performs this one-time outpatient procedure with millimeter-level precision, helping to maximize cancer control while minimizing radiation exposure to healthy tissues. Patients typically experience minimal to no pain, along with fewer side effects and a reduced risk of complications.

With thousands of successful procedures performed, WRO brings unparalleled expertise to every brachytherapy treatment.

Technologies We Use:

At Western Radiation Oncology, we incorporate cutting-edge technologies to improve the precision, safety, and personalization of our radiation therapy treatments. These include real-time adaptive radiation delivery systems such as Ethos™, and rectal spacing solutions like SpaceOAR and Barrigel, which help minimize radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.

•  Ethos™ Adaptive Radiation Therapy

At WRO, we offer Ethos™ Adaptive Radiation Therapy, an advanced system that uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to personalize treatment plans in real time. Adaptive therapy shows particular promise for difficult-to-treat or advanced-stage cancers that may not be candidates for surgery or conventional radiation therapy.
By adjusting the plan based on daily anatomical changes, Ethos™ improves precision and enables a more individualized approach to care.

• Rectal Spacing with SpaceOAR and Barrigel

To further protect healthy tissues during prostate radiation therapy, WRO offers advanced rectal spacing solutions, including SpaceOAR (including the Vue version) and Barrigel. These hydrogel spacers are inserted between the prostate and rectum to reduce radiation exposure to the rectum, thereby minimizing potential side effects.
SpaceOAR Vue, a next-generation version, is visible under imaging, allowing for enhanced placement precision and safer radiation delivery when clinically appropriate.

Our prostate cancer specialists have been at the forefront of SpaceOAR use since its introduction in 2012, contributing as lead investigators in the early clinical trials that helped establish its role in prostate cancer care.