A Beacon of Hope
Almost 300,000 men face a prostate cancer diagnosis each year. On top of this, one in 44 men will die from prostate cancer. For most, the c-word is incredibly scary and daunting, let alone throwing these kinds of stats into the picture. However, medical science continues to forge ahead, making groundbreaking advancements and offering renewed hope to patients and their families.
As one of the most common cancers affecting men worldwide, prostate cancer has long been a focus of intensive research and innovation. Today, we stand at the precipice of a new era in prostate cancer care, with cutting-edge treatments emerging that promise to transform the landscape of this formidable disease.
So, in this article, we explore new prostate cancer treatments and what we can expect in the coming years.
Prostate Cancer Treatment Options
Ultimately, prostate cancer treatment depends on the stage of cancer. Below, we briefly outline the common prostate cancer treatment options before outlining the newest developments.
Monitoring
For men with low-risk prostate cancer, active surveillance may be an appropriate option. This approach involves closely monitoring the cancer through regular PSA tests, digital rectal exams and biopsies.
The goal is to avoid or delay aggressive treatments like surgery or radiation therapy, which can have significant side effects. Active surveillance also allows men to maintain their quality of life while ensuring that the cancer is carefully tracked and treated if necessary.
Surgery
Radical prostatectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing the entire prostate gland and some surrounding tissue. This option is typically recommended for men with localized prostate cancer who are in good overall health.
Advances in surgical techniques, such as robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy, have made the procedure less invasive and significantly reduced recovery times. However, surgery still carries risks, including urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction. Your doctor or specialist will determine if this is the right route for you.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells in the prostate. There are two main types of radiation therapy: external beam radiation and brachytherapy. External beam radiation involves directing radiation at the prostate from outside the body, while brachytherapy involves placing radioactive seeds directly into the prostate.
Radiation therapy can be an effective treatment option for localized prostate cancer, but it can also cause side effects such as urinary and bowel problems.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy involves using drugs, such as docetaxel (Taxotere) and cabazitaxel (Jevtana), to kill rapidly growing cells, including cancer cells. It is typically reserved for advanced prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body and is not responding to other treatments.
Chemotherapy drugs are usually administered intravenously, and side effects can include fatigue, hair loss and increased risk of infections. However, new chemotherapy drugs and combinations continue to be researched.
New Prostate Cancer Treatments
Luckily, science continues to find new ways to treat prostate cancer and address more aggressive types of this cancer. Some newer treatment options include:
Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy, also known as androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), works by reducing the levels of male hormones (androgens) in the body. Since prostate cancer cells rely on androgens to grow, lowering these hormone levels can slow the progression of the disease.
Hormone therapy is often used in combination with other treatments, such as radiation therapy or as a standalone treatment for advanced prostate cancer. It may also be used before radiation therapy to shrink the cancerous cells and improve radiation therapy outcomes. Side effects can include hot flashes, sexual dysfunction and osteoporosis.
Enzalutamide (Xtandi) was recently approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). This treatment method works by inhibiting androgen receptors. Thus, it may help expand treatments for those with prostate cancer that haven’t spread to other parts of the body.
Other Up-And-Coming Options
Research continues to explore other prostate treatment options including:
- Cryotherapy: This method uses extreme cold to destroy the cancerous tissue.
- High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU): Similar to cryotherapy, this option uses extreme heat to destroy the cells.
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT): This experimental treatment works by using a light-activated drug injected into the bloodstream to destroy the blood vessels surrounding the tumor.
- Focal laser ablation (FLA): This is also a very experimental treatment currently. It involves inserting a laser-thin fiber into the prostate. This laser then heats and destroys the cancerous prostate tissue.
- Transurethral ultrasound ablation (TULSA): Like HIFU. this treatment uses high-intensity ultrasound beams to destroy parts or all of the prostate. However, a thinner ultrasound probe is used, potentially making this a more precise treatment option.
It’s worth noting that these newer and experimental treatment options are often used only in early-stage prostate cancers. Those with more advanced stages of cancer may not be eligible.
If you’ve recently encountered a prostate cancer diagnosis, don’t lose hope. Explore and discuss your options with your doctor. They know you and your health situation the best and can help you navigate this disease and the next steps.