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Thursday, 25th November 2004 (4153 views)

Doctors in Australia are using pieces of 24 carat gold to help the treatment of prostate cancer.<BR/><BR/>Three pieces of the precious metal, the same sort of size as a grain of rice, are inserted into the prostate with an ultrasound probe.<BR/><BR/>At present a trial is taking place using ten men and results are expected in a year's time.<BR/><BR/>According to consultant radiation oncologist Andrew See the gold acts like a global positioning device and allows radiation to be better targeted and more accurate than was possible before.<BR/><BR/>"We put three solid gold seeds into the prostate a week or two before the men actually undergo their radiation treatment," Dr See explained to AAP.<BR/><BR/>"When they come in and have their radiotherapy, we can accurately track where the prostate is on every day of their seven-week treatment." <BR/><BR/>The gold pieces are ribbed so they fit properly and so far no adverse impacts have been discovered, with grains available for around $400 including needles.<img src="http://directnews.dehavilland.co.uk/dn.gif?feedid=196&itemid=7157012"/>

 

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