Date: Wednesday, March 12, 2008 at the Cynwyd Club, Bala Cynwyd, PA
Time: Networking, 5:30 PM; Dinner, 6:30 PM; Talk and Business Session, 7:30 PM

PROTON BEAM THERAPY FOR PROSTATE AND OTHER CANCERS

David H. Vahlsing, PE

Abstract: The Roberts Proton Therapy Center, the first such facility in the Delaware Valley and the largest in the world, will be built next to the Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine as part of the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania. The unit is expected to open in 2009. Proton Beam Therapy uses radiation energy that can be focused in a highly concentrated area. It reduces damage to adjacent healthy tissue and improves physicians' chances of treating tumors occurring near critical organs. The technology, used to treat a wide variety of cancers and other diseases, has been employed for decades but is not well known due to the cost of and scarcity of treatment centers. This presentation will briefly describe the equipment used and relate the experience of the presenter who underwent very successful PBT treatment for prostate cancer in Loma Linda, California in early 2007.

Biography: Dave Vahlsing is a founder and active member of the CCN. He formed the engineering services company Hydrocarbon Engineering Associates following retirement from his career with Sunoco, where he worked as an engineer and manager. He received his degree in Chemical Engineering from MIT. Dave continues to work as a consultant when he isn't playing doubles squash, gardening or walking his Rottweiler, Bear.

Location: The Cynwyd Club, 332 Trevor Lane, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004. From City Line Ave. (Route # 1) drive north on Conshohocken State Road (Route # 23) about 3 long blocks. Continue north on Trevor Lane instead of following Route #23 left. At "Y" in road one block north on Trevor Lane turn left where clubhouse and parking are on the left side of the road. Please park in lot if space is available; otherwise park on Trevor Lane. If lost, call the club at 610-667-4524.MAP

Reservation: To make or cancel a dinner reservation, e-mail CCNReservations@aol.com  or call the ACS office at 215-382-1589 (leave message on voicemail if necessary). Fee, including food and beverages (wine, beer & sodas), is $35. Early Bird discount price is $25 if reserved by Thursday,  March 6.  Late reservations and walk-ins subject to availability. No-shows will be invoiced. Please advise of any special food requirements. There is no charge for talk only; registration is suggested using contact information above.