1. Proton Therapy Helps Norman Cancer Patient Lead Normal Life
After his wife urged him to go in for an annual checkup, Merle Poe, a 65-year-old Norman
resident, went in for a routine physical, which he had not done in years. He walked out with a
diagnosis of prostate cancer.
Mr. Poe began to search his treatment options. Though there are several different treatment
methods for prostate cancer, he initially narrowed his options to three radiation treatments,
including traditional X-ray radiation, radiation with seed implants or proton therapy.
“I definitely did not want to do surgery, but we were comparing the different types of radiation
available and visited with relatives who knew people who had chosen proton therapy,” Poe said.
“I found out proton therapy has very minimal side effects compared to the other radiation
options, and I knew it was the best option for me.”
Proton therapy is a type of radiation that precisely deposits radiation directly to the tumor, while
minimizing damage to healthy tissues. This means less risk of side effects and higher potential
quality of life for the patient during and following treatment.
Poe chose to undergo proton therapy at ProCure Proton Therapy Center in Oklahoma City due to
its close proximity to Norman and the center’s successful treatment of prostate cancer. He had no
side effects other than a little fatigue. In fact, he kept working for the University of Oklahoma
until the last two weeks of his 44-day treatment plan that was managed at ProCure by Dr. Robert
Gaston, radiation oncologist with Radiation Medicine Associates.
“Proton therapy is a unique form of cancer treatment, in that it targets the cancer and minimizes
radiation given to the healthy tissues,” said Gaston. “I enjoy helping people like Merle overcome
their diagnosis with a treatment that allows them to keep living their lives as they fight their
cancer.”
Poe is now back at work and expecting a clean bill of health at his next appointment. He is also
enjoying time with his children and grandchildren, and getting back to his hobby of
woodworking when he has the chance.
ProCure Proton Therapy Center in Oklahoma City is one of only 14 proton therapy centers in the
United States and the only operational proton therapy center in Oklahoma. Since January 2012,
the center has treated more than 26 people from Norman for various types of cancer. For more
information on ProCure or proton therapy, visit procure.com.