Bay Pines VA Treats Veterans’ Prostate Cancer with Greater Precision
By Michael Brock, Public Affairs Specialist
Through its innovative Prostate Fiducial Marker Program, the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System is transforming how prostate cancer is treated — bringing greater precision, convenience, and confidence to Veterans facing a diagnosis.
Launched in 2023 and strengthened with advanced imaging technology in 2025, the program uses tiny, rice-sized gold and titanium markers — called fiducials — to guide highly precise radiation treatments.
Placement of prostate fiducials allows Veterans access to two newer, highly effective radiation therapy techniques: Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) and microboost therapy, also known as Focal Lesion Ablative Microboost (FLAME). Both approaches rely on the precision made possible by fiducial marker placement.
“Fiducial markers serve as reference points within the prostate that enable precise, daily, image-guided radiation treatments during prostate Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT),” said Bay Pines VA Assistant Chief of Radiation Oncology Service Dr. Ryan Burri. “This allows us to minimize radiation exposure to surrounding normal tissues while safely delivering high doses of radiation in fewer treatments.”
Because the prostate can shift slightly during normal bodily functions, traditional radiation methods required larger safety margins — sometimes exposing nearby organs to additional radiation. These new methods not only allow clinicians to tighten those margins, but it can reduce a typical four-to-six-week course of radiation to just five treatments over approximately one and a half weeks.
“For many Veterans, fewer treatments mean less travel, less disruption to daily life, and faster return to normal routines,” said Bay Pines VA Radiation Oncologist Dr. Joseph Lee.
Veterans recommended for fiducial markers undergo careful evaluation to ensure the procedure is safe and appropriate. On procedure day, the Veteran is comfortably sedated while specialists from radiation oncology, urology, and anesthesiology use ultrasound guidance to precisely place the markers. Most Veterans return home the same day and begin radiation treatment planning about a week later.
“Our goal is to ensure Veterans have access to the most precise and effective prostate cancer treatments available, right here at Bay Pines,” Lee said. “By building this program in-house, we’re able to keep Veterans close to their VA care team, while offering treatment options that match or exceed what they might find in the community.”
In addition to providing enhanced radiation therapy, early detection remains a crucial element of successfully treating prostate cancer.
“Screening for prostate cancer with PSA blood tests is important because early detection and treatment can lower the risk of dying from prostate cancer,” Burri said. “However, men should discuss the benefits and potential side effects of screening with their physician to determine what’s best for them.”
The fiducial marker program continues to expand clinical opportunities, including participation in national research trials aimed at improving future standards of care.
“This program reflects the dedication of our multidisciplinary team,” Lee added. “Together, we’re delivering safe, personalized, and Veteran-centered cancer care.”