Faculty

Steven J. Buskirk, M.D.

Clinical Studies

Evaluation of neuroendocrine differentiation as a potential mechanism of tumor recurrence following radiotherapy Jacksonville, Fla., Rochester, Minn., Scottsdale/Phoenix, Ariz.
This is a pilot study to test a hypothesis that a greater increase in serum chromogranin A (CgA) after a definitive radiotherapy (RT) with or without androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is associated with a higher risk of prostate cancer recurrence after RT. Serum CgA level is measured before the start of RT and/or the start of neoadjuvant ADT for patients undergoing a definitive RT with or without ADT. CgA is also measured at various pre-defined post-RT time points. The study will analyze the followings: 1. Change in CgA level at various pre-defined post-RT time points from the baseline, 2. Correlation between the extent of post-therapy CgA change and Gleason score of malignancy, 3. Correlation between the extent of post-therapy CgA change and treatment outcome.

Bladder Filling Variation During Radiation Therapy for Definitive Prostate Cancer Treatment; Assessment via Bladder Scan and Cone Beam Computed Tomography Jacksonville, Fla.
The purpose of this study is to examine bladder filling for radiation treatment to the prostate, and to evaluate how bladder fullness changes daily during radiation treatment.