Palomar Health becomes the only facility in San Diego to offer groundbreaking brachytherapy treatment for prostate cancer
ESCONDIDO, CA — Palomar Health’s Oncology Center welcomed Congressman Scott Peters today for a firsthand look at the Palomar Health Cancer Institute’s latest advancement in patient care: Brachytherapy. Led by Radiation Oncologist Dr. Jonathan Bear, this innovative treatment marks a significant milestone in the fight against cancer and presents Palomar Health as the only facility south of UCLA to offer this distinct level of care.
Congressman Peters’ visit underscores the critical role that national support plays in expanding access to lifesaving treatments across local communities. During his visit, Congressman Peters met with physicians and healthcare leaders to see firsthand how brachytherapy is improving patient outcomes by delivering highly targeted radiation with fewer side effects and shorter recovery times.
“San Diego is home to a world-class ecosystem of medical innovation,” said Congressman Peters. “I’ve long advocated to increase federal investments in life sciences research and medical technology so we can deliver the cures and treatments needed to save lives. Palomar Health’s cutting-edge brachytherapy treatment is evidence of how these investments can translate directly to better care for patients.”
Brachytherapy represents a breakthrough in precision radiation, especially for prostate and gynecologic cancers. Under the guidance of Dr. Bear, Palomar Health is now able to deliver this advanced treatment locally — eliminating the need for patients to travel long distances for life-saving care. Having treated numerous patients with brachytherapy throughout his career, Dr. Bear is now applying his expertise to expand access to this cutting-edge therapy in San Diego County.
“At Palomar Health, we’re constantly pushing to redefine what’s possible for our patients,” said Diane Hansen, President and CEO of Palomar Health. “Bringing brachytherapy to our community means we can offer world-class cancer care close to home.”
Dr. Bear added, “This technology allows us to deliver radiation in a way that’s faster, more targeted and better tolerated by patients. It’s an exciting leap forward in personalized cancer treatment.”
As conversations around access to care and funding for cancer research continue nationwide, Congressman Peters’ visit to Palomar Health spotlights the importance of bringing leading-edge therapies to patients at the local level — and supporting the healthcare systems that make it possible.