Richard Gonzmart Brachytherapy Suite Treats 100th Patient Since October
Eight years ago, Richard Gonzmart pledged $1 million to Moffitt Cancer Center to build a new suite for brachytherapy. It’s the treatment that saved his life after being diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2013.
On Monday, he saw the Richard Gonzmart Brachytherapy Suite for the first time.
“I’m so proud to be a part of this advancement. For years, I’ve wanted to bring this therapy to more people in need. Now Moffitt Cancer Center has the ability to help more people and save more lives,” Gonzmart said.
Since opening in October, the state-of-the-art brachytherapy suite has treated 100 patients and counting, with plans to expand its services and treat more people.
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Patients have been treated at the Richard Gonzmart Brachytherapy Suite
Brachytherapy most commonly treats prostate cancer, but also can be used for cervical, breast, sarcoma and rectal cancers. Brachytherapy uses implants, or temporary seeds, placed inside the body to deliver radiation to a specific area and avoid harming healthy tissue. The new suite is treating patients in half the time, which makes it more comfortable for the patients.
Daniel Fernandez, MD, PhD, chief of brachytherapy at Moffitt, is grateful for Gonzmart’s support. Integrating advanced imaging, including MRI, into the suite allows Moffitt to offer more precise and safer treatments. “Because of the generosity of Richard Gonzmart, we will have an incredible impact on patients’ lives for years to come,” Fernandez said.
