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Mantz to discuss research on Calypso® system’s effectiveness in guiding radiation treatment at American Society of Radiation Oncology’s 52nd Annual Meeting this fall

Constantine Mantz, M.D.

(Fort Myers, Fla. – July 13, 2010)

– Dr. Constantine Mantz, a radiation oncologist, has been selected to present his clinical research findings using the Calypso® 4D localization system in conjunction with stereotactic body radiation therapy for the treatment of prostate cancer at the American Society of Radiation Oncology’s 52nd Annual Meeting this fall in San Diego.  His abstract was one of 100 selected of the more than 3,000 submissions the conference receives each year and is based on his research conducted in Southwest Florida.  Mantz is also the Director of Research at 21st Century Oncology and Medical Director of the Prostate Cancer Institute.

This research follows a similar study he published in the medical journal Urology earlier this year, in which Mantz reported that the precision with which physicians can target radiation beams using the Calypso system enables them to treat prostate cancer with significantly less risk of unwanted side effects.  In this related study, radiation’s impact on urinary, bowel and sexual function was greatly reduced over conventional therapy.

“It’s an honor to be selected to present this research to my peers.  I’m particularly proud of the fact that we were able to conduct this nationally recognized work here in Southwest Florida and establish 21^st Century Oncology as a leader in prostate cancer radiotherapy,” Mantz says.

The Calypso system tracks the movement of the prostate in real-time during a treatment session and allows for pinpoint accuracy in radiation delivery.  Prior to radiotherapy, tiny electromagnetic devices called beacon transponders are implanted in the patient’s prostate.  These transponders allow physicians to monitor the natural movement of the prostate during treatment and ensure that the prostate stays within the radiation beam.  Without Calypso, physicians may set radiation beams to cover a wider area, including healthy tissue, to account for these small movements.  The ability to continuously see where the prostate is located in relation to the radiation beam means clinicians can keep the beam’s scope narrow and direct higher, more effective radiation dose to the tumor.

About The Prostate Cancer Institute

The Prostate Cancer Institute (PCI) combines the talents of Southwest Florida’s most experienced board-certified urologists and radiation oncologists, giving patients a single point of contact for their prostate cancer treatment needs.  Armed with the latest research, cutting edge technology and the most current treatment modalities, our doctors and staff members work together to evaluate and review each individual patients’ treatment options, and collaborates with patients and their families to select the best course to meet their needs.  PCI physicians’ expertise has been recognized by professional societies and organizations and, most importantly, patients.  For more information, physician referral service or to schedule an appointment, call 800-NEW-HELP or visit www.MensCancerCenter.com.

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Annual Castle Connolly ratings aim to help consumers find best health care in America

(Fort Myers, Fla. – June 16, 2010) – Four Southwest Florida physicians practicing with 21st Century Oncology were named “top doctors” by Castle Connolly Medical, Ltd., a medical research and information company that compiles annual listings of top doctors in various regions in America.

Dr. Bruce M. Nakfoor

Dr. Bruce M. Nakfoor

 practices in Naples. After earning his medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School and completing specialty training in radiation oncology at Massachusetts General Hospital – Harvard Medical School, Nakfoor joined 21st Century Oncology in 1996. Over the past 14 years, he has treated nearly 10,000 patients, and has treated more prostate cancer patients than any other physician in Southwest Florida.

Dr. Kendall Lee Wise

Dr. Kendall Lee Wise

is a urologist practicing in Naples and was named to the list for the seventh consecutive time. A Naples native, he earned his medical degree at Vanderbilt University Medical School and completed his urology residency at Duke University Medical Center. He has been practicing urology in Naples since 1998.

Dr. Michael J. Katin

Dr. Michael J. Katin

is a radiation oncologist practicing in Fort Myers and one of the founders of 21^st Century Oncology. He earned his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania Medical School and completed his residency at Lankenau Hospital in Philadelphia. He subspecialized in medical oncology and hematology with fellowships at Roswell Park Memorial Institute in Buffalo, New York, and at the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland. He then completed a residency in radiation medicine at the Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr. Katin has served as an instructor at multiple institutions, has served on many boards and authored or coauthored many articles, textbooks and chapters.

Dr. James H. Rubenstein

Dr. James H. Rubenstein

is a radiation oncologist, also practicing in Fort Myers. He earned his medical degree from New York University School of Medicine. He served an internship and residency in Internal Medicine at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston, while also working as an assistant instructor in internal medicine for Harvard University’s School of Medicine. Dr. Rubenstein completed his residency and was named chief resident in Radiation Oncology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. He worked on staff at several Southwest Florida hospitals before joining 21st Century Oncology.

The selection criteria for Castle Connolly’s list include peer nomination, extensive research and careful review and screening by Castle Connelly Medical’s doctor-directed research team.

About 21st Century Oncology

21st Century Oncology, Inc. is a leading developer and operator of radiation therapy centers in the U.S. For more than 20 years, 21st Century Oncology has been committed to providing premier, quality, cost-effective radiation therapy services that are responsive to the needs of its patients through continuous improvement and innovation. The company operates in 17 states and has more than 20 offices in Southwest Florida. To visit their website, go to www.21stcenturyoncology.com.

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Free Seminar Open to the Public

(Fort Myers, FL – April 5, 2010) – A new “tumor tracking” prostate cancer treatment that greatly reduces the side effects of radiation treatment is the subject of a free presentation available for the public. Dr. Constantine Mantz, a radiation oncologist at 21st Century Oncology, will present the results of a study he led to test the effectiveness of Calypso®, a system that uses real-time tracking to deliver pinpoint accuracy in radiation treatment. Seminars will be held on April 15 from 5 – 6 p.m. at the Wyvern Hotel in Punta Gorda, April 17 from 9 – 10 a.m. at the Cape Coral Hospital Auditorium, April 29 from 5 – 6 p.m. at Hyatt Place Coconut Point in Estero, and May 1 from 9 – 10 a.m. at the Regional Cancer Center in Fort Myers.

Dr. Constantine Mantz

Mantz’s study demonstrated that the Calypso system significantly reduces radiation-related side effects in prostate cancer treatment. Participating patients treated with Calypso had significantly fewer problems with sexual function and fewer bowel and urinary problems compared to those treated using traditional means.

Mantz’s study results were published in the medical journal, Urology.

Prior to receiving radiation treatment with the Calypso system, tiny electromagnetic devices called beacon transponders are implanted in the patient’s prostate. These transponders allow physicians to monitor the natural movement of the prostate during treatment and ensure that the prostate stays within the radiation beam. Currently, physicians may set radiation beams to cover a wider area, including healthy tissue, to account for these small movements. The ability to continuously see where the prostate is located in relation to the radiation beam means clinicians can keep the beam’s scope narrow and direct higher, more effective radiation doses to the tumor.

“This is the first comparative study to show that margin reduction in prostate cancer radiation therapy has clinically significant and measurable benefits in decreasing acute toxicity and short-term side effects. By reducing acute toxicity, we hope these patients may also experience a significant reduction of long-term side effects,” said Mantz. “The Calypso system enables physicians to deliver increased doses of radiation directly to the tumor while sparing the surrounding healthy organs from exposure. It is fundamental to our overall approach of treating prostate cancer.”

Calypso uses three Beacon transponders the size of a grain of rice implanted around the cancerous tumor to help monitor the tumor’s location to direct treatment.

Patients and others interested in learning more about Calypso and Mantz’s study should plan to attend one of the upcoming seminars being held around Southwest Florida:

• Thursday, April 15, 6 – 8 p.m. at the Wyvern Hotel, 101 E Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, FL  33950
• Saturday, April 17, 9 – 10 a.m. at Cape Coral Hospital, 636 Del Prado Blvd., Cape Coral, FL  33990
• Thursday, April 29, 5 – 6 p.m. at Hyatt Place Coconut Point, 23120 Via Villagio, Estero, FL 33928
• Saturday, May 1, 9 – 10 a.m. at the Regional Cancer Center, 8931 Colonial Center Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33905

Reservations are required and can be made by calling 239-433-8518.

About 21st Century Oncology

21st Century Oncology, Inc. is a leading developer and operator of radiation therapy centers in the U.S. For more than 20 years, 21st Century Oncology has been committed to providing premier, quality, cost-effective radiation therapy services that are responsive to the needs of its patients through continuous improvement and innovation. The company operates in 17 states and has more than 20 offices in Southwest Florida.

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(Fort Myers, Fla. – March 8, 2010) – GPS isn’t just for driving directions anymore. Today’s radiation treatments for cancer patients can now pinpoint tumor locations and direct treatment to tumors with laser-like precision, just like your car or phone’s GPS can detect your exact location. Those wanting to learn more can attend 21st Century Oncology’s March 27 seminar from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Naples Beach Hotel. Presenters include Dr. Chaundre Cross, Dr. Michael Hanus, Dr. Bruce Nakfoor, Dr. David Ornstein, Dr. David Spellberg and Dr. Kendall Wise. A complimentary continental breakfast will be provided for all attendees and an informative “Ask the Doctors” question and answer session will follow the lecture.  Reservations are required.

The ability to focus radiation treatment on a tumor enables doctors to effectively kill cancerous cells, while minimizing damage to the surrounding, healthy tissue. New radiation treatments like RapidArc and Calypso can also work more quickly, reducing the number of treatments patients may need to undergo to treat their tumors.

It’s not just radiation treatment that’s getting specific. 21st Century Oncology also offers High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) and cryosurgical treatments that kill cancer cells by rapidly turning up or down the temperature, respectively.

There are so many advances being made in cancer treatment, and 21st Century Oncology has a number of options to ‘remove’ cancerous tumors without making a single cut, and for patients who do need surgery; we also have more robotic, minimally invasive procedures that speed recovery and healing time. Advanced treatment systems include:

• RapidArc: Powerful, highly precise radiation treatment to kill cancer cells and destroy tumors faster than traditional radiation.
• TomoTherapy®: A system combining advanced imaging and radiation to deliver precise treatment, while reducing radiation’s exposure and impact on tissue surrounding tumors.
• Calypso: A literal “GPS for the Body®,” this system implants transponders in cancer patients’ prostate to aid clinicians in targeting treatment and provide continuous monitoring to ensure treatment remains targeted.
• Brachytherapy: Internal radiation therapy granule placed in the body next to small tumors suitable for many cancer types.
• Robotic surgery: Minimally invasive surgical option that minimizes healing and recovery time.
• CyberKnife Robotic Surgery: A non-invasive surgery system that uses beams of high-dose radiation to “cut out” tumors anywhere in the body – without a single cut.
• High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU): Destroys cancerous tissue in the prostate by rapidly turning up the heat, or “cooking,” it, without damaging surrounding tissue.
• Cryosurgery: A technique to kill cancer or precancerous cells through freezing with liquid nitrogen or argon gas.

Patients and others interested in learning more about these and other treatments should plan to attend 21^st Century Oncology’s lecture on advances in cancer treatment. Reservations are required.  

About 21st Century Oncology

21st Century Oncology, Inc. is a leading developer and operator of radiation therapy centers in the U.S. For more than 20 years, 21st Century Oncology has been committed to providing premier, quality, cost-effective radiation therapy services that are responsive to the needs of its patients through continuous improvement and innovation. The company operates in 17 states and has more than 20 offices in Southwest Florida.

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(Naples, Fla. – October 28, 2009) – Naples-based urologic oncologist David Ornstein, M.D. has been listed in the 2009 – 2010 Best Doctors database. The Best Doctors database compiles the top approximate five percent of doctors nationwide, as evaluated by their peers, and serves as a resource for other medical professionals, employers, insurance and health plans to obtain consultations on treatment for their participants and patients. Dr. Ornstein has been selected in the last three consecutive reviews (2005-2010).

Dr. Ornstein has been practicing urologic oncology for the past nine years and has successfully completed more than 500 robotic surgical procedures for prostate, bladder and kidney cancer, Dr. Ornstein is one of the most experienced robotic surgeons in Florida and he has received many accolades and national awards for his work on prostate cancer and robotic surgery.

Prior to opening his Naples practice, Dr. Ornstein was assistant professor of Urology and chief of the division of Urologic Oncology at the University of California, Irvine. He held a concurrent appointment as medical director of Robotic Surgery and Urologic Oncology at the Todd Cancer Institute, Long Beach Memorial Medical Center in Long Beach, California. He has authored more than 65 peer review publications and 10 book chapters on urologic oncology and robotic surgery.

Dr. Ornstein completed urology residency at Washington University in St. Louis followed by an additional 2-year fellowship in urologic oncology and laparoscopic surgery at The National Cancer Institute. A leader in robotic surgery, Ornstein opened Advanced Urology and Robotic Surgery in August. Advanced Urology is a comprehensive urology practice specializing in the diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of all urologic cancers and benign prostate diseases.

Advanced Urology and Robotic Surgery in the Lutgert Cancer Center on the Campus of Naples Community Hospital at 733 4th Avenue in North Naples. Advanced Urology is a division of 21^st Century Oncology. For appointments or more information, visit www.Robotic-Urology.com or call 239-403-9503.

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David K. Ornstein, M.D. was elected by his peers for inclusion in Best Doctors in America® from 2005 to 2010.

For further information, contact: Carolyn Rogers, PR Counsel

239-278-3900 off., 239-850-5020 cell or Carolyn@BriggsRogers.com

Pioneer in Robotics Opens Urology Practice in Naples

Trained with National Cancer Institute

(Naples, FL — August 6, 2009) — Fellowship-trained Urologic Oncologist David Ornstein, MD, has opened Advanced Urology and Robotic Surgery in the Lutgert Cancer Center on the Campus of Naples Community Hospital, 733 4^th Avenue in North Naples. Advanced Urology is a comprehensive urology practice specializing in the diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of all urologic cancers and benign prostate diseases.

Dr. Ornstein completed urology residency at Washington University in St. Louis followed by an additional 2-year fellowship in urologic oncology and laparoscopic surgery at The National Cancer Institute.  He has been practicing urologic oncology for the past 9 years and has become a leading pioneer in the field of robotic surgery. Having successfully completed more than 500 robotic surgical procedures for prostate, bladder and kidney cancer, Dr. Ornstein is one of the most experienced robotic surgeons in Florida and he has received many accolades and national awards for his work on prostate cancer and robotic surgery.

Dr. Ornstein was assistant professor of Urology and chief of the division of Urologic Oncology at the University of California, Irvine. He held a concurrent appointment as medical director of Robotic Surgery and Urologic Oncology at the Todd Cancer Institute, Long Beach Memorial Medical Center in Long Beach, California. 

Dr. Ornstein will provide direct patient care based in general urology with a specific interest in urologic oncology.  “My focus is on evaluating and treating patients with urologic cancers and helping them regain and preserve normal function so that they can lead healthy lives following treatment,” said Ornstein.

He has authored more than 65 peer review publications and 10 book chapters on urologic oncology and robotic surgery. He has been an invited lecturer at a variety of national and international conferences and has participated as a faculty member for several American Urological Association (AUA) sponsored instructional courses on robotic surgery.  Dr. Ornstein has served on the editorial boards of Investigative Urology, Clinical Proteomics, Human Genomics and Proteomics, The Open Prostate Cancer Journal and has been a reviewer for multiple other medical and scientific journals. He has been principal investigator on several National Institutes of Health and Department-of-Defense funded research grants. His current clinical and translational research interests include, optimizing robotic surgical procedures for urologic cancers and prostate cancer biomarker development. 

He holds memberships in the AUA, the Society of Urologic Oncology, the Society of Basic Urologic Research and the American Association of Cancer Research.   Dr. Ornstein is a member of the Collier County Medical Society and is on the medical staffs of Naples Community Hospital and Physician’s Regional Medical Center.  

Advanced Urology is a division of 21^st Century Oncology. For appointments or more information, visit www.DavidOrnsteinMD.com or call 239-403-9503.