MIAMI -- Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among American men, second only to skin cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.

While radiation is often a recommended part of treatment, many men fear the possibility of side effects.

"Radiation may lead to issues like incontinence and problems with sexual function," said Dr. Allan Pollack, a radiation oncologist with the Sylvester Cancer Center at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

Pollack and his team at Sylvester are working with a new technology that allows them to precisely target radiation treatment, and greatly reduce the risk of side effects.

With a device called the Calypso, specialists implant three markers into the prostate that allow them to track any movements in real time.

"If the patient moves or a shift of other organs causes the prostate to move, then we can pick it up in real time," said Pollack.

That greatly reduces the risk of accidentally radiating other structures surrounding the prostate or other nearby organs.

"If you treat too much of the rectum or the bladder, then you will have an increased risk of damage to those areas," he said. "This targeted treatment cuts down on those risks."

Ken Silveira thought his battle with prostate cancer was over when he had his prostate removed over a year ago.

"When the cancer returned, I didn't know what to do," he said.

The targeted radiation treatment allowed doctors to treat Silveira's cancer even though it was outside of the prostate.

"I had no side effects whatsoever," he said. "I'm thrilled with the treatment I received."

Right now the Calypso devise is only cleared Food and Drug Admistration for prostate cancer, but the technology is designed to also be beneficial for treatment of other highly targeted areas, including breast, lung, head and neck cancers.