Geoff started having regular PSA blood tests as part of his annual well-man checks, after his father died of prostate cancer. In July 2021 his test results indicated an increase in his PSA level and a follow-up in September showed this was still rising. An MRI scan and subsequent biopsy confirmed the diagnosis he was dreading – he had prostate cancer. 

Geoff had haunting memories of his father’s struggle with the illness, and how the long, uncomfortable treatment affected him. Geoff’s own diagnosis was naturally a worrying time for him and his family.   

His concerns about having to endure weeks of radiotherapy, and possible long-term side effects led him to discuss the option of surgery with his consultant. Geoff said “The first doctor I saw was a surgeon, I asked him how long I’d be out of action and recovering from surgery. He told me I’d be hospitalised for a couple of days followed by 4-5 weeks recovery at home.” 

As someone who runs his own business Geoff was naturally concerned about having time away from work but having seen first-hand his father’s struggle, he couldn’t imagine putting himself through the lengthy radiotherapy treatment. In his mind, radiotherapy was not an option and surgery was the route for him.

Despite having already ruled out radiotherapy, Geoff’s surgeon was keen he consulted on all available treatment options before making a final decision. Reluctantly, Geoff agreed and was referred to Dr Prantik Das , Clinical Oncologist at GenesisCare. Dr Das explained how radiotherapy techniques and technology used to treat prostate cancer have advanced considerably since his father’s treatment. Geoff was amazed to learn about the advanced technology of the MRIdian MR linac , which is exclusively available in the UK at GenesisCare, which treats prostate cancer with radiotherapy in just five days, and with improved accuracy, leading to fewer side effects. The prospect of going ‘straight back to normal’ after just a week was a big relief for Geoff, and his family.

Discussing Geoff’s case, Dr Das explained, “Geoff’s cancer was localised to the prostate, meaning there was no evidence the cancer had spread to surrounding tissue, making him suitable for radiotherapy on the MRIdian MR linac.”

Using live imagery, the innovative technology of the MRIdian enables clinicians to see the exact position of the tumour during treatment, and if the tumour moves even slightly out of treatment range, due to the patient breathing or usual movements in the body, the radiation beam is paused until the tumour is back in position. This prevents unnecessary radiation damage to healthy tissue and reduces the risk of treatment-related side effects. No other radiotherapy machine currently has this capability.

With his newfound knowledge and the relief of knowing he could have his prostate cancer treated in just 5 consecutive days, Geoff opted for MRIdian radiotherapy instead of surgery. A decision he really didn’t expect he would make. 

Geoff added, “Radiotherapy is completely different to when my father was diagnosed. In comparison to my father’s treatment, I glided through. For anyone who receives a prostate cancer diagnosis, I’d like to reassure them that if they’re suitable to be treated with this technology, today’s radiotherapy means you can jump straight back into your life.”