Peter Locken, M.D., (right) radiation oncologist at Western Baptist, examines Elvis Emerson of Calvert City.

A kidney stone sent Calvert City resident Elvis Emerson, 69, to his urologist late last spring, but routine blood work showed he had another problem—elevated levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a warning sign for prostate cancer.

Biopsies confirmed prostate cancer, leaving Emerson to choose surgery or radiation for treatment.

After discussing options with Peter Locken, M.D., radiation oncologist at Western Baptist, Emerson chose a new treatment—a form of image-guided radiation therapy, or IGRT.

During a minimally invasive procedure, Emerson’s urologist implanted seeds, or markers, inside the prostate gland. The markers pinpoint tumor location, so the radiation oncologist can direct daily radiation treatments to the tumor.

“The benefits are two-fold,” said Dr. Locken. “By targeting the tumor site, we’re able to limit long-term side effects and toxicity, and we’re also more aggressively fighting the cancer, allowing patients an increased chance for a cure.”

Emerson, the first to have the new treatment at Western Baptist, believes he made a smart choice.

“The new IGRT procedure sounded like the best option for me,” said Emerson. “I was pleased to go forward with radiation without having surgery.”

Emerson finished his 42 days of therapy in November and continues to keep follow-up appointments with Dr. Locken.

Free Oncology Annual Report
To receive your free copy of Western Baptist Hospital’s latest Oncology Annual Report, phone Baptist Health Line at (270) 575-2918 or visit westernbaptist.com. This year’s report focuses on lung cancer and includes statistical data on cancer diagnoses, treatments and survival rates at Western Baptist Hospital.

IGRT therapy at Western Baptist is used only for patients with early to intermediate prostate cancer. You can reduce your risk for prostate cancer by getting annual PSA screenings. All men 50 and older should be screened annually. Those at high risk, including African-Americans and those with a family history of the disease, should be screened at 40. For more information, phone Baptist Health Line at (270) 575-2918.