Innovations in Prostate Cancer
Akin to a breast lumpectomy for females, doctors map out the precise size, shape and location of a prostate tumour before destroying the cancerous portion, leaving behind the rest of the (healthy) gland intact. Targeted Focal Therapy, a term many in health related fields may not be familiar with- especially in the context of prostate cancer treatment. This new approach can be used to manage early stage, non-metastatic prostate cancer. Touting the major benefit of minimal damage to vital structures that neighboring the prostate, it has become a favourable option for physicians and patients alike. For patients, focal therapy translates readily into a preserved quality of life. Men opting for surgery no longer are faced with chronic sexual and urinary problems associated with older treatment methods.
New treatment options for an age-old disease
The International Society of Men’s Health will be opening dialogue regarding innovations in prostate cancer treatment at the Men’s Health World Congress – the newest treatments, including focal therapy will be discussed. Prof. David Crawford, an internationally recognized expert in prostate cancer and Scientific Committee Member of the Men’s Health World Congress, believes, “In many countries we are winning the war regarding eliminating advanced prostate cancer, but in some senses loosing another war. The pendulum has swung to over diagnosis and treatment in some men. It is important to identify these men and chart a different path of treatment. Targeted Focal Therapy is an alternative to more aggressive therapies or surveillance in some men.”
The battle with Prostate Cancer
Traditional treatment options still exist, only after taking into consideration a patients Gleason Score as well as his general health and family history can a decision be made. Watchful-Waiting is appropriate for men with low-grade pathology which in most cases runs an indolent course. Prostatectomies are still thought of as offering the best chance for long-term survival. The downside is that these surgeries, whether “open” or robotic still carry a high risk of side effects. External Beam Radiation Therapy is a viable treatment option for older men (over 70) with comorbid conditions or those with metastatic cancer. Although radiation has fewer immediate side-effects when compared to surgery, the therapy is extremely inconvenient.
Different global approaches
Throughout Europe, Canada and Mexico an additional focal technique is being used, one that uses high-frequency ultrasound to heat localised tumours in the prostate. Participants from around the world, from various disciplines of medicine and other health-related fields will join the Men’s Health World Congress to share opinions and experiences regarding therapy for prostate cancer.
Join us at the Men’s Health World Congress on October 28-30 in Nice and share your views with us!
PROSTATE CANCER SCREENING WORKS!
Swedish study proves PSA screening prevents 50% of Prostate Cancer deaths.
The Latest Study:
Swedish researchers from The European Randomized Study of Screening Screening for Prostate Cancer (ERSPC) published their latest work in The Lancet last week: “Mortality results from the Goteborg randomized population based prostate-cancer screening trial.” The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between prostate specific antigen screening and reduction of mortality due to prostate cancer.
Who? How?
ERSPC performed a large randomized control study of 20,000 men, between the ages of 50-64, living in the small Swedish town of Goteborg.
Men were randomly assigned into two groups (1:1 ratio), either a screening group who received PSA screening every two years, or to a control group who did not receive any PSA screening. Only those men who were found to have an elevated PSA were given a further work-up, consisting of a digital rectal exam and prostate biopsies.
Results
Say it loud: PSA screening saves lives
The researchers found that men who received regular PSA screening (every two years) had a 50% reduction of deaths due to prostate cancer. Findings can also be translated into 293 screened and 12 men diagnosed to prevent one prostate cancer death.
Commentary
The methodology of the study was excellent at mimicking “real –life”. Men in the control group reflect the outcomes of zero or minimal intervention regarding the progression of prostate cancer. The strengths of the ERSPC study are many: first and foremost the large number of the sample size. The town of itself contributes to the uniqueness of the study; the population studied had never received any PSA screening whatsoever- making this essentially the purest possible screening study. Causes of death were determined from death certificates rather than medical charts, highlighting a weakness in their methodology.
To date, routine PSA testing & prostate- screening of the general population is not recommended. The published findings have served to fuel further debate on the already controversial topic of prostate cancer screening. The Swedish study has strongly suggested that PSA screening should join the ranks of other routine screening guidelines, such as mammography and guaiac testing. Knowing that a simple non-invasive test can reduce 50% of deaths, one must ask: “If we don’t screen for prostate cancer, why should we screen for anything else?”
ISMH and Prostate Cancer Prevention Screening and Diagnosis
The ISMH believes that this is a crucial topic in men’s health. Prostate cancer prevention and diagnosis will be a major theme at the upcoming Men’s Health World Congress to be held in Nice, France October 28-30th. Join us in exploring the issue in depth, including: Discussion of the pro’s and con’s of PSA screening, guidelines for active surveillance, long term outcomes of prostate cancer and more.