When Ken went for a routine blood test, he didn’t expect it would change the course of his year. The results showed elevated PSA levels, leading to a diagnosis of prostate cancer.

Today, Ken is relieved to share that he’s received the all-clear. Looking back, what surprises him most isn’t just the outcome, but how he feels about the journey: “It was an amazing experience,” he reflects. “The warmth, support, expertise, and confidence I received from the team at ARO meant I couldn’t have asked for more. They were truly remarkable.”

The importance of knowing your options

Like many men in his situation, Ken was referred to a urologist. The consultation was brief, and he was offered surgery to remove his prostate. With a six-week waiting list and the risk of long-term side effects such as incontinence, Ken hesitated.

Encouraged to look further, Ken connected with Dr Roger Huang, a radiation oncologist who treats patients at ARO. Dr Huang gave him a detailed explanation of CyberKnife and other options. He then undertook further research of his own and felt confident in his decision to go ahead with CyberKnife.

The treatment process

Before CyberKnife treatment, Ken needed fiducial markers (small gold seeds) inserted into his prostate. Expecting an overnight hospital stay, he packed a bag, only to find the procedure took just 10 - 15 minutes, with no general anaesthesia required. “It was simple, quick, and a fraction of the cost I’d been quoted elsewhere,” he says.

Ken then received five short CyberKnife sessions over 10 days travelling from Hamilton with his wife and daughter. To his surprise, he felt well enough to drive himself home after each session. While he had prepared for possible bowel or bladder irritation, the only side effect he noticed was mild fatigue.

He says “CyberKnife is very different to traditional radiotherapy in that you need far fewer treatment sessions. I was surprised that I experienced next to no side effects.”

Remarkable care at every step

What stands out most in Ken’s memory is the personal care he and his family received. “Every interaction at ARO was positive. They went over and above at every point,” he says.

He recalls one Easter Thursday when a physiological issue delayed treatment. “The team stayed until 7.30pm, even after everyone else had gone home, just to make sure I could be treated. Their dedication was extraordinary.”

Dr Huang also phoned Ken daily before, during, and after his treatment to check on his progress. The care from the wider ARO team extended to Ken’s wife and daughter, giving them reassurance throughout the process. “Having them feel supported meant as much to me as the treatment itself,” he says.

Ken’s advice to other men

Ken encourages men to:
● Get regular PSA tests. Early detection matters.
● Ask questions and explore options. “If I’d taken the first advice I received, I would have had surgery. By asking more, I found CyberKnife was the better option for me.”
● Consider quality of life. The short treatment schedule, minimal side effects, and fast recovery were important factors in his decision.

“CyberKnife might not be right for everyone, but it’s important to know it exists,” he says.

About CyberKnife at ARO

CyberKnife is an advanced form of robotic radiotherapy that delivers highly targeted radiation with sub-millimetre accuracy. For many men with prostate cancer, it offers a non-invasive treatment option with a shorter treatment course and fewer side effects than traditional approaches. CyberKnife is only available at ARO in New Zealand.

Ken’s story highlights how the right information, and the right care, can make all the difference.