Meet Dr. Jay Messer
Dr. Jay Messer is a board-certified radiation oncologist at Apex Cancer Care. An Austin native, Dr. Messer earned his degree in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin before pursuing medicine at UT Houston, where he graduated with honors. He completed his Radiation Oncology residency at UTMB Galveston, serving as Chief Resident, with rotations at MD Anderson Cancer Center and Houston Methodist Hospital.
Dr. Messer specializes in advanced radiation techniques such as IMRT (Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy) and SBRT (Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy) to deliver precise treatment while minimizing side effects. He was the first physician in San Antonio to use Barrigel® for prostate cancer patients, helping protect healthy tissue during radiation. With extensive experience treating prostate cancer, he has managed many complex cases and presented his research at national conferences.
Known for his approachable and patient-first philosophy, Dr. Messer is passionate about helping patients feel informed and supported through every step of their cancer journey.
Why Precision Matters in Prostate Cancer Treatment
Radiation therapy has evolved over the years from wider beams that affected nearby healthy tissue to more precise pinpoint beams focused on the tumor itself. For men with prostate cancer, this often meant not only treating the cancer but also managing side effects like bowel irritation, urinary changes, or fatigue.
Today, that story looks very different. Radiation therapy has advanced dramatically. Using sophisticated machines, imaging, and planning tools, we can deliver treatment with incredible accuracy — like hitting a bullseye over and over again. This means better cancer control with fewer side effects and a higher quality of life during and after treatment.
And now, with tools like Barrigel, we can take that precision one step further.
What Is Barrigel?
Barrigel is a soft, absorbable gel that is carefully placed between the prostate and the rectum before radiation therapy begins. Its purpose is simple but powerful: it creates a small cushion of space that gently pushes the rectum away from the prostate.
Why does this matter? Because the prostate and rectum sit very close together in the body. Even with the most advanced radiation technology, there is always a small chance that nearby healthy tissue can be exposed. By adding a few millimeters of protective distance, Barrigel dramatically reduces that exposure.
Over time, the gel is naturally absorbed by the body, leaving no trace. But during treatment, it provides patients with an added layer of safety and comfort.
The Path to Greater Accuracy in Radiation Therapy
In just a generation, radiation oncology has been completely transformed. Here’s how technology has transformed treatment for prostate cancer:
- Modern Linear Accelerators
At Apex Cancer Care, we use advanced machines such as the Halcyon and iX linear accelerators. These machines deliver radiation in highly targeted beams that can adjust and adapt as they move around the body. Using VMAT (Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy), the radiation beam sweeps in an arc, shaping the dose around the prostate while protecting nearby tissue. - Techniques like IMRT (Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy) and VMAT (Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy) both shape radiation beams very precisely around the prostate, protecting healthy tissue. VMAT is like an advanced, faster form of IMRT.
- Planning Software and Imaging Fusion
Before treatment begins, we use powerful planning software to design a personalized treatment plan. We combine CT scans with advanced imaging like MRI and PET to create a 3D map of the prostate and surrounding organs. This fusion technology helps us define the exact boundaries of the tumor so we know precisely where to aim. - Daily Image Guidance (CBCT)
Before each treatment, we perform a Cone Beam CT (CBCT) scan to confirm the prostate’s exact position. Since it can shift slightly with bladder filling or bowel movements, this step ensures we target the cancer with millimeter-level precision. - SBRT (Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy)
For select patients, these advances mean radiation can be delivered in as few as five treatments — compared to seven to nine weeks with older methods. SBRT uses high-dose, extremely precise treatments that take advantage of all the tools listed above.
These advances all share one goal: more precision, fewer side effects, and better results.
How Barrigel Adds Another Layer of Protection
Even with state-of-the-art machines and daily imaging, the rectum sits close enough to the prostate that some radiation exposure can still occur. Barrigel adds an extra margin of safety by physically moving the rectum out of the way.
Benefits for patients include:
- Lower risk of bowel changes, bleeding, or irritation.
- Less rectal discomfort during and after treatment.
- More confidence in receiving higher, more effective doses of radiation when needed.
- Long-term preservation of quality of life.
For patients receiving shorter courses (hypofractionated VMAT/IMRT and SBRT), Barrigel is especially valuable, since those techniques often use higher doses per treatment to achieve the best results.
The Patient Experience
The Barrigel procedure is straightforward and typically performed as an outpatient visit. Patients receive local anesthesia or light sedation, and the gel is placed using a needle guided by ultrasound. Most patients go home the same day and return to normal activities quickly.
When combined with advanced precision techniques, patients often find that treatment is more comfortable than they expected. In fact, many men are surprised by how little their day-to-day life is disrupted.
Comprehensive and Compassionate Care
At Apex Cancer Care, precision isn’t just about machines and technology — it’s about people. We take a multidisciplinary approach, working with urologists, medical oncologists, and support staff to ensure patients feel cared for at every step.
We also know that a cancer diagnosis affects more than just the body. It impacts families, work, and emotional well-being. That’s why we emphasize open communication, clear education, and support services to help patients feel confident and supported throughout their journey.
What To Do If You’re Considering Treatment
If you’ve been diagnosed with prostate cancer, you don’t have to navigate the journey alone. Today’s radiation therapy is more advanced, more precise, and safer than ever before — and tools like Barrigel help protect what matters most.
Here’s what you can do right now:
- Schedule a Consultation: Meet with Dr. Messer at Apex Cancer Care to learn whether Barrigel and advanced radiation options are right for you.
- Discuss Your Options: Understand your personalized treatment plan, including modern techniques like VMAT and SBRT.
- Find Support: Our care team is here to answer questions, provide resources, and guide you every step of the way.
Final Thoughts
Prostate cancer treatment has come a long way. With innovations like Barrigel and state-of-the-art technology at Apex Cancer Care, patients can expect not only excellent outcomes but also a treatment experience designed to protect their comfort and quality of life.
Remember: early action makes all the difference. If you or a loved one is facing prostate cancer, reach out today. We’re here to help you every step of the way.
