Proton Therapy for Prostate Cancer

With a family history of prostate cancer, Jody Fuller knows the importance of annual prostate cancer screenings. So, at age 45, when his results came back high, he wanted to get it checked out right away. After retesting several days later and seeing his prostate-specific antigen (PSA) still elevated, Jody’s urologist in Charleston, West Virginia, ordered an MRI and a biopsy.  

Pathology reports revealed that six of the twelve specimens were positive for cancer.  

“The scary part is I did not have any symptoms,” says Jody. “But my dad and grandfather both had prostate cancer, so I knew my chances were high.” 

After finding out he had prostate cancer and discussing treatment options with his urologist, he decided to have his prostate removed in May 2022.   

Jody thought that after the surgery, he would then be cancer-free. But a year later, his PSA levels rose again due to a biochemical recurrence. Jody and his wife, Sarah, decided to go to MD Anderson for a second opinion. 

Facing a second prostate cancer diagnosis with underlying GI conditions

Jody and Sarah traveled to Houston for his first appointment with MD Anderson’s Genitourinary Cancer Center in May 2024. Even though MD Anderson was a 17-hour drive from home, he wanted to be treated by experts who specialized in treating prostate cancer.  

At his first appointment, pathology results showed a Gleason score of 9 post-surgery, which is high-risk. 

Jody’s case was rare. He’s had ulcerative colitis since he was 16 years old. At 35, he underwent a laparoscopic ileorectal anastomosis (IRA), a surgical procedure to remove the entire colon, while sparing the rectum. Before coming to MD Anderson, physicians were hesitant to treat Jody with radiation therapy because of the likelihood of causing further gastrointestinal complications. 

Jody met with genitourinary medical oncologist Ana Aparicio, M.D., and genitourinary radiation oncologist Ryan Park, M.D. His care team recommended proton therapy and hormone therapy. 

Proton therapy is an advanced type of radiation treatment that uses a beam of protons to deliver radiation directly to the disease site, destroying cancer cells while sparing healthy tissues. 

Undergoing prostate cancer treatment at MD Anderson

On June 27, Jody received his first hormone shot in West Virginia. These hormone therapy injections suppress the production of testosterone, starving prostate cancer cells of the hormones they need to grow. He also started a medication to decrease androgens, like testosterone, slowing the growth of prostate cancer cells. 

In early August, Jody started six weeks of daily proton beam treatments with Park at the Proton Therapy Center, receiving prostate bed and pelvic lymph node radiation. Treating the prostate bed targets the area where the prostate gland was located after his prostatectomy.  

“Once I met Dr. Park, I instantly knew he was the right doctor for me,” says Jody. “He had confidence without arrogance, and he took great care of my case with verification scans throughout the course of my treatment to ensure there would not be damage to the areas of my previous surgeries.”  

Jody did not experience any side effects during proton therapy, but he recalls having hot flashes and a lack of energy from the hormone therapy. He also still experiences common prostatectomy side effects from the surgery.  

“The staff at the Proton Therapy Center took excellent care of me,” says Jody. “From the first day I walked in to the last day out, everyone made me feel at home.” 

Sarah refers to their time in Houston as their “radiation vacation,” as they went to concerts, baseball games, football games and museums after Jody’s daily treatments. With no appetite changes, Jody and Sarah were able to enjoy a variety of local Houston restaurants.  

An advocate of early detection and screening for prostate cancer

Jody’s 26-year career as a pharmacist and his experience with prostate cancer give him the opportunity to educate his patients about screenings, medications and treatment options.  

“I tell my patients not to ignore symptoms, even if it seems inconvenient at the time,” says Jody. “Early detection allows you to get treatment when the disease is most curable.“ 

Married since they were 19 years old, Jody and Sarah have three sons in their 20s who are all pursuing careers in the medical field, with one inspired to become a urologist. “I want my sons to start prostate cancer screening early,” says Jody. 

Jody credits Sarah for her unwavering love and support. “She worked as a nurse while putting me through pharmacy school, later deciding to put her career on hold to raise our sons and then care for me,” says Jody.  

When Jody recently celebrated the 20^th anniversary of his local pharmacy with friends, family and coworkers, he picked back up with a new perspective and appreciation of life after cancer treatment.  

Jody receives PSA checks every three months. With his PSA levels remaining normal with no detectable recurrence of prostate cancer, he feels confident that MD Anderson has given him the best chance of survival.  

“I am grateful to have found MD Anderson and the right team of doctors who were able to treat my cancer without causing any additional side effects. They saved my life.” 

Request an appointment at MD Anderson online or call 1-877-632-6789.