Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men excluding skin cancer and it is the second leading cause of cancer related death in men in the United States. It is estimated that 186,320 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer and 28,660 men will die of cancer of the prostate in 2008
Treatment for prostate cancer is dependant on age, comorbidities and stage of disease when diagnosed. In general the mainstream therapies include various types of surgery, radiation therapy (IMRT and radioactive seed implant), cryotherapy and hormonal therapy. Many other therapies are being investigated such as HIFU, HDR, Cyberknife and proton beam therapy. Often a patient must decide which therapy is right for them based on potential side effects of each modality. For early prostate cancer, all standard modalities give comparable cure rates.
Prostate cancer, in general, is a slow growing malignancy. Biochemical freedom from disease is used as a measure of the success of prostate cancer treatment. The blood test is called PSA. PSA is a sensitive and specific marker of prostate and prostate cancer cells. This is measured on a regular and frequent basis after treatment for prostate cancer. After radiation therapy, the PSA is expected to gradually fall to a level called the “nadir” and remain stable. If the PSA rises consecutively then a biochemical failure is determined. If the PSA remains at an individual’s nadir, then a person is said to be biochemically free from disease, in other words, cured from their prostate cancer.
Despite the advances in prostate cancer treatment, some patients require salvage therapy. Salvage therapy is used when the cancer either persists or returns locally. Radiation therapy and cryotherapy have been the mainstay of prostate salvage treatment. Surgical removal of the prostate gland after radiation therapy is very difficult and reserved for those surgeons with great experience with this type of surgery.
Prostate cancer is a slow growing malignancy that with early detection can be quite curable. Speak with you doctor for more information so you can decide which type of treatment is right for you or your loved one with prostate cancer.