Why Choose CARTI for Prostate Cancer Treatment
• Since opening our doors over 30 years ago, CARTI has treated almost 10,000 prostate cancer patients, which is the vast majority of all prostate cancer patients treated with radiation therapy in Arkansas.
• CARTI has been using IMRT for prostate cancer treatments since 2001
• CARTI has the largest Prostate Seed Implant program in Arkansas, with published results beginning in 1992
• As a not for profit, CARTI works with independent radiation oncologists who make their treatment recommendations based on what is best for the patients, rather than what is best for the bottom line.
• CARTI is the only Arkansas radiation oncology center to be certified by ACR (American College of Radiology). When patients choose an ACR-accredited facility, they can be sure that the facility has gone through a rigorous review process to be sure it meets nationally-accepted standards.
• CARTI is among the top providers of radiation therapy in the country, providing the most advance radiation therapy treatments for prostate cancer patients available.
• CARTI is proud to be associated with some of the most renowned radiation oncologists in the country. All CARTI doctors are certified by the American Board of Radiology.
• CARTI’s patient satisfaction scores rank in the top 5th percentile when compared to other radiation oncology and cancer centers in the country.
• CARTI’s Patient Assistance Program offers numerous programs that address the special needs facing cancer patients.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
• What is my “Gleason score” and what does it mean in terms of treatment of my cancer?
• What is my PSA level?
• Were multiple PSA values collected over time so that we can determine if my PSA level is rising?
• What are the chances that the cancer has spread beyond my prostate?
• What further tests do you recommend and why?
• What is my expected survival rate based on clinical stage, grade, and various treatment options?
• What are all of the treatment options for this stage of cancer?
• What are the benefits of the type of therapy you are recommending?
• What are the side effects or drawbacks of this type of therapy?
• Will I have problems with incontinence or impotence?
• Will I have urinary or rectal problems?
• What other treatments might be appropriate and why?
• Are you comfortable with me exploring other treatment options and speaking with other specialists before deciding on a final plan of action?
• Do you have any financial interest that would affect your recommendation on how I am treated? (i.e., part owner in a surgical or radiation therapy center)
• Is my cancer likely to come back?
• What can I do to improve the success of my therapy
• What kind of follow-up can I expect after treatment?
• Are there any dietary changes that I could make to optimize my treatment?
• Should I join a clinical trial?
If radiation therapy is suggested
• Which technique will be used?
• How long has your center been performing radiation therapy for prostate cancer?
• How many cases have you done?
• How will radiation therapy target the cancer tissue but leave the normal tissue unharmed?
• Are there specific radiation therapy approaches that we should consider such as IMRT or brachytherapy?
• What dose of radiation will you be using and how or why did you select that dose of radiation?
• How often will I need to come to the center for treatments?
• Do you recommend hormone therapy before the radiation treatments?
• Are there any urinary or bowel side effects that I should be concerned about?
• What can I expect following the treatments in terms of recovery time? How long will it be before I can return to my normal activities?
Sources: American Cancer Society, Prostate Cancer Foundation, CARTI staff.
