At the Orlando VA Healthcare System’s (OVAHCS) Lake Nona campus, prostate cancer care is not just about technology. It is about precision, teamwork, and a commitment to doing what is best for Veterans.
Army Veteran Luther Stinson, who served from 1973 to 1976, was living an active life in Cocoa, Florida, when routine lab work showed his prostate-specific antigen levels were rising. Further testing confirmed early-stage prostate cancer.
“They caught mine early,” Stinson said.
Stinson went on to say, “They laid out the pros and cons without imposing any decision on me. They encouraged me to take my time and make my choice. I appreciated that.”
After reviewing his options, Stinson chose stereotactic body radiation therapy, or SBRT, a highly targeted form of radiation delivered in five treatments over about a week and a half.
“I chose the five treatments, and honestly, I believe that was the best decision,” Stinson shared. “From start to finish, it was amazing.”
Army Veteran Gregory Baugh offers another perspective, one from nearly a year after completing the same treatment.
Baugh served on active duty from 1979 to 2007 and said the path to treatment began when his VA primary care provider noticed his PSA levels were elevated during routine lab work.
“My provider continued to advocate for me when she noticed my elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA),” Baugh shared. “She knew something wasn’t right, and her persistence is a big reason I ended up getting the care I needed.”
Although an MRI did not initially show cancer, a biopsy later revealed a small trace of prostate cancer. After reviewing information about treatment options, Baugh met with the radiation oncology team at the Orlando VA.
“They explained everything to me,” Baugh said. “I had many questions because I had never gone through anything like this before, but they answered all of them and made sure I was well taken care of.”
Baugh ultimately chose SBRT after discussing the options with his care team.
“I decided I’d rather take care of it now instead of waiting years,” he said. “Once I understood the treatment and talked with the doctors, it made sense.”
The five-treatment schedule allowed him to continue his daily routine.
“The treatments were about 10 to 15 minutes,” Baugh said. “I was able to drive myself there and even go back to work afterward.”
Nearly a year later, he says the results have been encouraging.
“My PSA has been going way down,” Baugh said. “So far, everything has been going well.”
For Dr. Diana Hsiung-Stripp, Chief of Radiation Oncology, bringing SBRT for prostate cancer to Orlando VA was years in the making.
“I opened the department in 2015. We started lung SBRT treatments in 2019, and in December of 2024, we treated our first Prostate SBRT patient,” Hsiung-Stripp said. “Since then, our philosophy has always been to provide the best quality care.”
Traditionally, prostate radiation required up to 44 treatments over nearly nine weeks. SBRT allows physicians to deliver highly targeted radiation in just five sessions.
“SBRT is an advancement in scheduling and convenience without compromising outcomes,” Hsiung-Stripp said. “For the right patient, it can be a significant quality-of-life benefit.”
Because each treatment delivers a higher dose, precision is critical. The Orlando VA uses image-guided radiotherapy, implanted biodegradable hydrogel to protect the rectum, and implanted markers to track the prostate in real time.
“We are tracking the motion of the prostate as we treat,” Hsiung-Stripp said. “If it moves outside our tolerance, we stop and reposition.”
Rarcie Prater, nurse navigator for radiation oncology, helps Veterans move through each step of the process.
“My role is to make sure no ball gets dropped,” Prater said. “When they ring the bell at the end, it never gets old. It’s a celebration.”
For Veterans like Stinson and Baugh, that moment marks more than the end of treatment.
“When you hear something like that about your health, your life changes,” Baugh said. “But the team here takes care of you. They help you understand your options and get through it.”
And when the final treatment is complete, the bell ringing serves as a reminder that the fight against cancer is not fought alone.
PHOTO: Army Veteran Gregory Baugh rings the ceremonial bell after completing stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for prostate cancer at the Orlando VA Healthcare System Lake Nona campus in Orlando, Florida. The bell ringing marks the completion of his five-treatment radiation course and celebrates a major milestone in his cancer care journey. Baugh completed his treatment in March 2025 and says his prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels have continued to decline since finishing therapy.
PHOTO: Army Veteran Luther Stinson rings the ceremonial bell at the Orlando VA Healthcare System Radiation Oncology Clinic after completing five stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) treatments for prostate cancer. Surrounded by supportive staff, Stinson marked the end of his treatment journey, celebrating advanced care, compassionate support, and a successful outcome.
Joseph Nunez serves as Public Affairs Specialist for Orlando VA Healthcare System
