PRECISION, PREVENTION AND PERSONALIZED CARE
By:
Lennard M. Goetze, Ed.D – HealthTechReporter.com
In the ever-evolving world of cancer care, few voices resonate with the clarity and compassion of Dr. Jonathan Haas, a leading radiation oncologist at NYU Langone Health. With thousands of successful patient outcomes under his care, Dr. Haas is a national advocate for innovative, patient-centered therapies—particularly CyberKnife®, a cutting-edge stereotactic radiation system transforming how prostate cancer is treated.
In a recent interview, Dr. Haas offered a detailed, deeply human perspective
on cancer survivorship, clinical innovation, and the enduring power of tailored
medicine. This article captures Dr. Haas’ insights, drawing from decades of
clinical practice and his unwavering belief that the best outcomes arise from
treating the whole patient—not just the disease.
Prostate Cancer in Context: Risk, Reality, and Readiness
When intervention is required, Dr. Haas emphasizes a data-rich, individualized strategy. “We look at the Gleason score, PSA levels, imaging studies like MRI or PET scans, and now we integrate genomics—studying the RNA profile of the cancer cells themselves.” This molecular profiling allows clinicians to tailor treatment with the precision of an Armani suit, as he puts it, ensuring that no two patients are treated the same.
Genetic predisposition, family history, and
ethnicity—particularly among African American men—can increase risk. Diet also
plays a role. Dr. Haas recommends the Mediterranean diet for its
anti-inflammatory and metabolic benefits, highlighting a holistic view of
patient health.
From Nine Weeks to Five Days: The CyberKnife Revolution
CyberKnife’s precision has since been expanded
to treat tumors throughout the body, including the prostate. “We’ve gone from
nine weeks of radiation to five days,” said Dr. Haas. “And we’re testing
protocols that could bring it down to just two days.”
What sets CyberKnife apart is its ability to
track the prostate’s movement—often less than a millimeter—with real-time
adjustments, thereby minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. This
level of control dramatically reduces side effects and increases the precision
of treatment. “We deliver a high dose to the cancer and a very low dose to
everything else,” he emphasized.
WHO’s a Candidate, and WHY Some Patients Say It’s ‘A Walk in the Park’
Patients with urinary symptoms or gastrointestinal issues may require more nuanced management during treatment. Still, the flexibility of CyberKnife allows for adaptive planning and real-time modifications, ensuring that each patient receives a regimen tailored specifically to their needs. And this is where Dr. Haas’s practice shines—not only in delivering world-class care, but in ensuring patients are never alone in the journey. “We take your hand—and we don’t let go,” he says, echoing his philosophy of long-term, compassionate follow-up. Patients are followed closely for up to five years post-treatment, with PSA monitoring and collaborative care alongside trusted urologists.
Empowering the Patient: Informed Choices, Not Pressured Decisions
In the age of Google diagnoses and a flood of online cancer cures, Dr. Haas urges
patients to pause and breathe. “Almost never is prostate cancer a fatal
diagnosis at the start,” he says. “You have time. Get multiple opinions. Go to
a National Cancer Institute–designated center. And make your decision with a
team.”
He takes pride in offering more than just
medical advice—he offers mentorship. His clinic keeps a list of former patients
willing to speak to newly diagnosed individuals, helping them navigate the
emotional and logistical complexities of treatment. “We don’t tell them what to
say. They just share their stories,” he says. “Sometimes, hearing from someone
who’s been through it makes all the difference.”
Every patient he sees is also evaluated by a
urologist. “We don’t operate in silos. The patient, the radiation oncologist,
and the urologist form a three-part team. It’s shared decision-making from
start to finish.”
A Word to Firefighters and First Responders
Dr. Haas has treated hundreds of 9/11 first responders, including many from the firefighting community. “They’re some of my favorite patients,” he said with affection. “If I told a 70-year-old firefighter he could go back to work tomorrow, every single one of them would jump at the chance.” Yet, he warns, that same dedication can sometimes lead to neglect. “They think they’re invincible,” he says. His advice is simple: get a PSA test. “It’s a single blood test. If you don’t have a strong family history, get one at 50. If you do, start earlier—maybe 40 or 45.”
Early detection, he emphasizes, is not just
about survival; it’s about options. “Even if the first treatment doesn’t
work—which is rare—you get a second swing at it. You can back up surgery with
radiation or radiation with freezing. It’s one of the few cancers where there’s
a Plan B.”
CONCLUSION: Precision, Partnership, and a Path Forward
From his integration of genomics and imaging
to his advocacy for collaborative care, Dr. Haas represents a model of cancer
care that is both deeply personal and scientifically advanced. Whether treating
lifelong firefighters, newly diagnosed patients, or simply guiding families
through difficult choices, his message remains clear: “You are not alone. You
have options. And we are here to guide you every step of the way.”
Part 2:
Prostate Scan Now with Host: "Cousin Sal "Banchitta - Ret FDNY FF- presents BARRIE KOLSTEIN, PC Survivor
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