Gregory Cooley

Biography

I am a clinical professor in the Department of Radiation Medicine (DRM). My previous background as medical director of radiation oncology of a large, regional, NCI-funded Community Clinical Oncology Program (CCOP) is a little different than that of many clinicians. Our program’s goal was to tap into the latest high-level clinical research and technology while providing continuous and rapid clinical advancements as they arose to offer the most advanced, proven care available. With great pride, I serve in the DRM as part of this leading UW cancer program, which provides this kind of research and experience the world looks to for advancements.

The DRM is one of the few centers in the region offering both low-dose-rate and high-dose-rate prostate brachytherapy. Two decades ago, prostate brachytherapy showed superior PSA control rates. With further advances in dosing, fractionation and MRI-based planning, results are even better. One recent advancement that I employ is the use of a natural body substance, hyaluronic acid (SpaceOar gel),  as a temporary barrier in select individuals to separate the rectum from high dose regions of the prostate.

In addition to staffing the UW Health East Radiation Oncology Clinic, which has a new state-of-the-art linear accelerator, I treat people with all types of cancer and have the pleasure of interacting with and training our physician and physics residents, particularly in the area of prostate brachytherapy. We need clinicians to become excellent providers of prostate brachytherapy, especially since the number of brachytherapy practitioners has fallen. As of 2017, the American Society for Clinical Oncology endorsed standard guidelines recommending consideration of brachytherapy treatment for prostate cancer in anyone with more than low-risk disease.

We continue always to explore and provide the highest level of care to our patients.