Prostate Advice 4 u

Cryosurgery, Brachytherapy good options for Prrostate Cancer

noreply@blogger.com (Don) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 20:40:00 +0000

Prostate cancer has become the stumbling block among American men to enjoying a quality life. Almost all of these men who have retired from their work wanted to relish the fruit of their labor for so many years, however their desire to make the most of their remaining years and their pension has been set aside because many of them if not all suffer from prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer is caused when abnormal cells begin to attack the prostate and other tissue near it. The abnormal cell in due time will form a mass or tumor. The type of tumor that can badly affect the prostate is the malignant. When malignant cells manifest in the prostate region, the affected man will begin to feel the symptoms of the disease.

The symptoms common among men who are living with prostate cancer are unusual urge to frequently urinate, trouble in making the first stream of urine, burning sensation, and painful urination. Other symptoms include pain at the pelvic area down to the lower back but not beyond the upper thighs, presence of blood in urine and semen.
When a patient is diagnosed to be positive of cancer through a combination of tests like digital rectal exam, prostate-specific antigen test, and transurethral ultrasound, the doctor may present to the patient the different prostate cancer treatments.

Speaking of prostate cancer treatment, cryotherapy will surely be in the list. Cryotherapy is a medical procedure that uses cryogenic substance in inhibiting cancer cells from developing. The process uses a needle inserted to the perineum (the skin that connects the anus and the scrotum). The needle is attached to a machine containing cryogenic substance. Once the needle is inserted, tiny ice balls will be released to the prostate, thus freezing the cancer cells and the prostate.

Another cancer treatment is brachytherapy. This procedure utilizes seed implants that can emit radioactive rays. These seed implants that have the same size of rice grains are implanted to the prostate using a special needle that will contain the seeds. The needle is inserted in the same way with cryotherapy. The doctor will insert a finger to the rectum to feel the prostate and make sure that the seed implants are placed properly and securely. This method works in the same way as radiotherapy, in this case the radiation is coming from within.

Radical prostatectomy is considered a major surgery in prostrate treatment. The aim of the procedure is to remove the prostate to avoid further damage to other organs proximate to the prostate.

Updates

noreply@blogger.com (Don) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 19:43:00 +0000

For the latest information and updates on prostate cancer, visit this link.

Prostate cancer treatment guidelines updated

noreply@blogger.com (Don) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 18:39:00 +0000

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network has announced that it has updated its practice guidelines for physicians to stress active surveillance rather than treatment for many men with low-risk prostate cancer.

Roswell Park Cancer Institute played a key role in the new recommendations, with three physicians serving on the network’s 23-member guideline panel, including Dr. James Mohler, who led the group.

A big change in the guidelines is the recommendation for active surveillance instead of treatment for men with very-low- risk prostate cancer and a life expectancy estimated at less than 20 years, and for men with low-risk prostate cancer and a life expectancy of less than 10 years.

The very-low-risk category is new and represents patients with what’s considered “insignificant” prostate cancer.

The new guidelines reflect the debate in medical circles over what is the most appropriate action to take with early-stage prostate cancer.

Heavy Drinking Poses Prostate Cancer Risk

noreply@blogger.com (Don) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 18:20:00 +0000

Aggressive tumours are more likely to occur in men who have more than four drinks a day at least five times a week.

Men who drink heavily may be raising their risk of developing prostate cancer, researchers said in a recent study.

In addition, the study found that the drug finasteride, which can help lower a man’s risk of the disease, appears to be unable to undo the damage of heavy drinking.

The findings come from a clinical trial which looked at whether finasteride lowered the risk of prostate cancer in nearly 11,000 men over seven years.

Of the men, 2,219 were diagnosed with prostate cancer and 8,791 remained cancer-free throughout the study.

The researchers found that men who drank heavily – four or more drinks a day on at least five days of a week – were twice as likely as non-drinkers to develop aggressive prostate tumours.

The risk was seen in men who received finasteride and those given a placebo.

In addition, when it came to less aggressive, slower-growing prostate tumours, finasterife cut non-drinkers’ and moderate drinkers’ risk by 43 per cent. The drug did nothing, however, for heavier drinkers.

The findings of the study, led by Dr Zhihong Gong of the University of California at San Francisco, were reported in the Journal Cancer.

Put the Miracle of Ice to Work for You

noreply@blogger.com (Don) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 17:20:00 +0000

The acceptance of cryotherapy as a prostate cancer treatment is due in large part to the advantages attributed to ice. The iceballs produced by cryoprobes reach freezing temperatures within seconds and kill cancer immediately on contact. This approach has several distinct benefits in comparison to other procedures.

It's Natural: Ice is a natural, holistic treatment, free of radiation or the need for strong drugs.

It's Relentless: Ice kills all cancerous tissues and tumors, regardless of their severity or aggressiveness.

It's Targeted: With ultrasound image guidance, ice probes can be pinpointed to carefully treat focused areas of the prostate.

It's Painless: Because ice is a natural painkiller, there is little or no pain to patients during recovery.

It's Minimally Invasive: The application of ice can be performed swiftly and easily, without major surgery.

It's Extremely Effective: Ice therapy has proven so effective that it's now used to combat cancer affecting the liver, lung, and kidney. It may also be used to manage bone pain resulting from metastatic cancer.

It's Repeatable: Cryotherapy can be repeated again and again in cases of recurrence.

(Information from killcancercold.com)

What are the advantages of cryosurgery?

noreply@blogger.com (Don) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 16:53:00 +0000

Cryosurgery offers advantages over other methods of cancer treatment. It is less invasive than surgery, involving only a small incision or insertion of the cryoprobe through the skin.

Consequently, pain, bleeding, and other complications of surgery are minimized. Cryosurgery is less expensive than other treatments and requires shorter recovery time and a shorter hospital stay, or no hospital stay at all. Sometimes cryosurgery can be done using only local anesthesia.

Because physicians can focus cryosurgical treatment on a limited area, they can avoid the destruction of nearby healthy tissue. The treatment can be safely repeated and may be used along with standard treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and radiation.

Cryosurgery may offer an option for treating cancers that are considered inoperable or that do not respond to standard treatments. Furthermore, it can be used for patients who are not good candidates for conventional surgery because of their age or other medical conditions.

What Happens During Cryoablation

noreply@blogger.com (Don) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:21:00 +0000

Cryoablation – or more simply “cryo” – is part of the new direction in medicine that doesn’t use major surgery to destroy cancer.

Instead, state-of-the-art technology assists the doctor who uses ultrasound to “see” inside the body as slender probes are inserted into position and as the iceball forms that kills the cancer.

Preparation for cryo is the same as for any other procedure requiring anesthesia. This means you will be instructed to have no food or drink for a certain time.

Right before the procedure you will have an IV inserted into a vein to supply your body with fluids and any necessary medications such as a relaxant or antibiotics.

You will be under anesthesia, either general (you are asleep) or spinal/epidural (you are mildly sedated and numb from the waist down). You will not feel anything during your cryo. It is performed in a sterile environment so there is minimal risk of infection.

Afterward you will wake up in a room where your vital signs are being watched. If your cryo is done on an outpatient basis, you will be allowed to leave when you are stable and comfortable and you have someone to drive you home.

If it is being done inpatient, you will spend the night being monitored in the hospital and will most likely be allowed to leave the next day.

Your doctor will determine whether you are admitted to the hospital and your doctor will determine when you are ready to go home.

Most patients go home with a catheter or tube to help urine drain from the bladder. There are two types of catheter – which one you will have will depend upon your doctor.

Coffee May Play Role In Prostate Cancer Avoidance

noreply@blogger.com (Don) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:27:00 +0000

A daily cup of coffee has been revealed as the latest weapon in the battle against prostate cancer - the most common form of cancer in men, with 35,000 diagnoses and 10,000 deaths a year.

A new study from the Harvard Medical School in America found those who regularly drank the beverage were 60 per cent less likely to develop fast-growing, hard-to-treat forms of the cancer, than others.

Cancer charities and experts urged caution, saying more research was needed and lifestyle factors played a bigger role.

Questions Before Cryo

noreply@blogger.com (Don) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 21:51:00 +0000

Here are some questions you can ask a week or so before your cryo procedure:

1. Has my procedure been explained so I can understand it?
2. Are there any standard tests I still need to complete before my cryo procedure?
3. What preparation will I need the night before my procedure? On my arrival at the hospital?
4. Will I have an overnight stay in the hospital?
5. What kind of anesthesia is best for me?
6. What kind of catheter will I have after the procedure?
7. How long can I expect the catheter to be in place? Will someone show me how to care for it before I go home?
8. How soon after the procedure can I get up and walk around? Drive? Exercise? Climb stairs? Life heavy objects? Engage in sex?
9. What antibiotics will I be on after the procedure and for how long?
10. How long after cryo can I have spontaneous erections? If not spontaneous, how can my doctor help me maintain physical intimacy with my loved one?
11. Can I still experience orgasm after cryo? Will it be any different?

Cryotherapy for Prostate Cancer

noreply@blogger.com (Don) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 17:13:00 +0000

In the early 1990's, a new treatment for prostate cancer called cryosurgery emerged. Today, this treatment more aptly is referred to as "cryotherapy". The goal of cryotherapy is to eradicate prostate cancer by freezing the prostate gland.

After receiving anesthesia, the doctor inserts needles into the prostate gland through the perineum, the area between the scrotum and anus. The needles produce very cold temperatures. Freezing destroys the entire prostate, including any cancerous tissue within it.

Cryotherapy uses ultra-thin needles to produce ice balls of extreme sub-zero temperatures. The doctor uses ultrasound to accurately guide insertion of the needles, precisely control the size and shape of the ice balls and monitor the freezing.

Cryotherapy is an option for prostate cancer patients who want to avoid major surgery or the risks of "watchful waiting." Cryotherapy can treat prostate cancer patients in the intermediate and high risk groups as well as those who have failed previous radiation treatment.

Recent publications showing 10-year data demonstrates safety and durable efficacy of cryotherapy for treating prostate cancer. Morbidity following the procedure is mild in comparison with other treatments, with the exception of sexual function impairment.

Cryotherapy for prostate cancer can be repeated, and it can also be used as a secondary treatment when other primary treatments fail.

Cryoablation of Prostate Cancer

noreply@blogger.com (Don) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 20:13:00 +0000

The word cryoablation literally means “destruction by freezing”

The idea of cryoablation of the prostate gland has been around since the mid-twentieth century. Most people today refer to cryoablation as cryotherapy or cryosurgery now that the imaging and equipment technology has developed to the point where cryoablation is becoming a mainstream prostate cancer treatment.

Cryoablation is a minimally invasive surgery which uses ultrathin cryoneedles inserted percutaneously through the perineum. Cryoablation is often used when radiation therapy, both external and interstitial, has failed to destroy the prostate cancer. This type of prostate cancer is called radioresistant because the malignant cells have withstood extremely high levels of radiation. Freezing temperatures provide another weapon with which doctors can attack the disease.

Smoking May Increase Prostate Cancer Risk

noreply@blogger.com (Don) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:29:00 +0000

Recent cigarette smoking is associated with an increased risk of fatal prostate cancer, according to a new report.

Sheila Weinmann, PhD, of the Center for Health Research at Kaiser Permanente Northwest in Portland, Ore., and colleagues compared 768 men who died from prostate cancer and 929 randomly selected matched controls. All subjects belonged to one of four health maintenance organizations. The researchers examined medical records to obtain information on potential risk factors during the 10 years prior to the date on which prostate cancer was first suspected. They used the same reference dates for the matched controls.

Compared with individuals who never smoked, current smokers had a 50% increased risk of fatal prostate cancer, Dr. Weinmann's team reported in Cancer Causes and Control (2009; published online ahead of print). Former smokers were not at increased risk.

The investigators cited a previous paper suggesting that “smoking acts by hastening the course of prostate cancer, such that prostate cancer in smokers follows a more aggressive path than in nonsmokers” (Epidemiol Rev. 2001;23:115-125).

Dr. Weinmann's team also found that fatal prostate cancer was not significantly associated with greater weight, high BMI, diabetes, prostatitis, transurethral resection of the prostate, vasectomy, or a personal history of any cancer prior to the time of prostate cancer diagnosis. The researchers observed a modest association between fatal prostate cancer and a history of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) within two years before prostate cancer diagnosis, but no association with BPH diagnosed earlier.

African-American men who had a hypertension for 8.4 years or longer had a twofold elevated risk of fatal prostate cancer compared with subjects without hypertension.

“This study is important because it confirms a previously-suspected association between smoking and fatal prostate cancer,” Dr. Weinmann said. “This information may help prevent future prostate cancer deaths.”

Lower Cholesterol Reduces Prostate Cancer Risk

noreply@blogger.com (Don) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:45:00 +0000

Men may protect more than their hearts if they keep cholesterol in check. They could also be reducing their chances of getting aggressive prostate cancer.

Dr. Jacques Ganem treats one of the most common cancers in men worldwide: prostate cancer.

"Approximately 180,000 men are told they have prostate cancer every year in the United States and approximately 30,000 men die of this disease every year," said Ganem.

A new study shows the one factor may play a big role in mortality rates: cholesterol levels. Researchers looked at more than 5,500 men and found that that those with total cholesterol levels in the healthy range-- below 200 were much less likely to develop the most aggressive form of prostate cancer.

Dr. Alan Kristal of Fred Hutchinson is one of the study authors.

"High-grade prostate cancer is the type that kills you, basically and although it's relatively rare these days, it accounts for maybe 10 or 12 percent of prostate cancers," said Dr. Alan Kristal, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. "It really is the type prostate cancer if you get, you're at high risk of dying from."

However, cholesterol levels had no effect on prostate cancer risk in general, only the most deadly kind.

There are other questions yet to be answered.

"What we don't know is whether it's drugs that lower serum cholesterol, or having naturally low cholesterol because you have good genes, or you have low cholesterol because you exercise and you eat well," said Kristal. "We don't know which of those really accounts for the association."

But for men whose cholesterol levels are high, there is a clear take-home message.

"It's one more piece of evidence that having a low serum cholesterol is not only good for heart health, it's good for lowering your risk of cancer," said Kristal.

The study used data from the earlier prostate cancer prevention trial, which was financed by the National Cancer Institute.

Movember motivates facial hair for good cause

noreply@blogger.com (Don) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:42:00 +0000

Some Greeley, CO firefighters have joined a global movement that is bringing much needed attention to cancers that affect men.

The Greeley firefighters will grow mustaches during the remainder of November with the hope that the community will support their efforts by making a donation. Funds raised will go to the Prostate Cancer Foundation and the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LIVESTRONG).

According to statistics, one in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime and testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men aged 18-35. Those are the facts that convinced the Greeley firefighters to get involved.

For more information go to www.movember.com.

Exercise May Lower Prostate Cancer Risk

noreply@blogger.com (Don) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:55:00 +0000

Men who regularly get moderate exercise may have a lower risk of developing prostate cancer -- including aggressive, fast-growing tumors, a new study finds.

Researchers found that among 190 men who underwent biopsies for possible prostate cancer, those who exercised moderately -- the equivalent of three to six hours of walking per week -- were less likely to be diagnosed with the disease.

Compared with their sedentary counterparts, these men were two-thirds less likely to have a biopsy positive for prostate cancer. In addition, men who got the equivalent of one to three hours of walking each week had an 86 percent lower chance of having an aggressive form of the cancer.

The findings, which appear in the current issue of the Journal of Urology, do not prove that exercise helps prevent prostate cancer. But they could offer men yet more incentive to get active.

"If you need one more reason to exercise, this could be one," said senior researcher Dr. Stephen J. Freedland, of the Duke University Prostate Center and the VA Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina.

A number of studies have looked at the relationship between exercise and prostate cancer, and while most have pointed to a protective effect, about one-third have found no association, Freedland told Reuters Health.

One question has been whether the positive findings reflect a greater tendency of health-conscious exercisers to get screened for prostate cancer. This study avoided that issue, Freedland said, by focusing on men who were sent for biopsies after concerning findings from prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing or a digital rectal exam.

He and his colleagues found that among the 111 sedentary men in the study, half were diagnosed with cancer after biopsy. That compared with 27 percent of those men who got the equivalent of three to six hours of walking each week.

And among men diagnosed with prostate cancer, 51 percent of sedentary patients had more-aggressive cancer, versus 22 percent of those who had been mildly active -- getting the equivalent of one to three hours of moderate walking per week.

Exercise itself remained linked to a lower risk of prostate cancer after the researchers accounted for a number of other factors, like age, weight and race.

Along with studies finding a relationship between exercise habits and lower prostate cancer risk, there is also research showing that the connection is biologically plausible, Freedland said.

For one, he noted, exercise has been shown to lower blood levels of testosterone and other hormones that may stimulate prostate tumor growth. Exercise is also believed to stimulate the immune system and the body's natural antioxidant mechanisms, both of which may help prevent the development of prostate cancer.

Man Turns Diagnosis Into Personal Campaign

noreply@blogger.com (Don) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:20:00 +0000

When Brad Rhoden found out in May that he had prostate cancer, he recalls being in a state of denial. He refrained from telling people, waited several weeks to break the news to his family and began searching for options.

"Obviously, it hit me like a ton of bricks," he said. "For a couple weeks I didn't say anything, so I started doing research."

Now, five months later, with the hope of completing radiation treatments by the end of the month, Rhoden, 56, is sharing his story via a blog at unwind.topeka.net.

"I'd like to make more awareness because one out of six men will get prostate cancer sometime during their life," Rhoden said. "A substantial number will not know they have prostate cancer and a few will die, but it is an issue men need to be aware of."

In high school, Rhoden was a sprinter and faster than many of his competitors. But years later in 1986, while going through a separation and divorce, he needed a focus, something to reduce stress, so he turned to long-distance running.

He estimates since then he has run about 60,000 miles, including 127 marathons.
"My old track coach, who is long deceased, after I ran a marathon or two, said he couldn't even get me to run a quarter-mile," Rhoden said.

Running hasn't only provided Rhoden with a channel for life's frustrations, it gave him a second chance at love and a running partner. He has been married to his wife, Marla, for 15 years.

In March, Rhoden said he began noticing symptoms, which prompted a visit to his doctor. A month later he visited his urologist for a biopsy and a series of tests.
Then, as he was getting ready to run a marathon in early May, severe cramping in his legs led Rhoden to scratch himself from the event.

"It's the first time I've ever dropped out of a marathon," he said.
The next day he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, despite being otherwise healthy. He said his grandfather had prostate cancer, and his father had troubles with his prostate, but no cancer.

Rhoden opted for external beam radiation after receiving hormone therapy to reduce his enlarged prostate. Physically, the toll of the cancer, radiation treatments and hormone therapy has slowed him down. But mentally, he is determined. He said fatigue is the main side effect.

"(Running) is more of a struggle, more of an effort," he said. "I'm just kind of stubborn. I'm going to keep doing what I'm doing."

In fact, Rhoden has been able to run every day since Aug. 16.
"(The doctor) indicated the other day that hopefully the radiation is working, and hopefully I won't need another hormone therapy shot," Rhoden said.

His battle with cancer has helped him appreciate other people's struggles, and he feels fortunate that prostate cancer is curable. He continues to run and has several events lined up if his body will allow him.

"It's helped me greatly," Rhoden said of running. "It gives me something to look forward to every day. It's a part of my life. I'm going to keep doing it. Hopefully, it's just a minor setback in my life."

Ultrasound Treatment Being Considered for Prostate

noreply@blogger.com (Don) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:39:00 +0000

Doctors who treat prostate cancer are looking at a new treatment using ultrasound waves. At this point, it is still in the study stages, but it could one day be an alternative for some men fighting the disease.

The treatment is called high-intensity focused ultrasound, or HIFU. Doctors need to conduct studies to understand exactly how effective it is and what it can do for patients.

The technology is exciting because it is minimally invasive, meaning no cuts and no radiation. Right now, the study is on men whose cancer has returned.

A computerized console and a probe are the two main tools the physicians use in this procedure. They are the tools that will direct and carry the ultrasound waves right into the prostate of the patient on the table.

One patient is 71-year-old Ronald Secoda. Eight years ago, he was treated with radiation therapy. But now his cancer his returned. He chose to be in the clinical study because he doesn't want to have surgery.

"I've never been in a hospital," he said. "I don't know how I could even cope with an operation."

Secoda is only the third person in New York to undergo the procedure, which is done with general anesthesia.

In order to destroy the cancerous tissue with the ultrasound waves, the doctors first map the prostate into sections. The probe, which is anally inserted, is set to carry pulses of high intensity focused waves into each section and hopefully destroy all the cancerous tissue.

Dr. William Huang, of the NYU Langone Medical Center, is the investigating surgeon.
"The concept here is ablating or destroying prostate tissue cancer without causing collateral damage to surrounding structures, without cutting or removing body parts," he said.

Dr. Huang says when compared to surgery, side effects like incontinence and impotence are low, about 10 to 15 percent.

"This has already been treated, this is damaged tissue," he said. "Irradiated tissue, and we're still trying to treat it without causing major side effects."

Ten hospitals around the country are involved in the trials with patients who have a recurrence, but whose cancer has not spread beyond the prostate. When the studies are finished, they'll have more information as to how the patients do over the long term. The treatment is already used to treat enlarged prostate.

Cancer Awareness Campaign Launches

noreply@blogger.com (Don) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 16:33:00 +0000

The American Urological Association is partnering with the NFL for a GSK-supported prostate cancer awareness campaign with the message that men should start getting tested at age 40.

The “Know Your Stats About Prostate Cancer” campaign includes print and broadcast PSAs featuring 27 retired NFL Hall of Famers, including prostate cancer survivor Michael Haynes, diagnosed with the disease last year through a free NFL Player Care Foundation screening conducted by the AUA Foundation.

One in six men will be diagnosed with the disease and African-American men like Haynes are twice as likely to die from the disease. Haynes, 56, made his name playing cornerback with the Patriots and the Raiders.

The campaign, which launched in September and is set to run through March, also features a website, KnowYourStats.org. Zeno Group holds the PR assignment for the effort, while Boston Group handled the ads.

Treatment Options for Prostate Cancer

noreply@blogger.com (Don) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:20:00 +0000

“You have prostate cancer.” These are four words no man wants to hear. But according to the American Cancer Society an estimated 232,090 men in the U.S. will receive this news in 2005 (Source:www.cancer.org).

Prostate cancer may be frightening, but if your physician finds prostate cancer at an early stage, your chances of survival are excellent. Medical science has made great strides in detecting prostate cancer and treating the disease.

If you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, you face an important decision. Which treatment is best for you? In the past, common treatment options for prostate cancer may have seemed harsh, unpredictable, or had alarming side effects.

For these and other reasons, including the fact that prostate cancer tends to be slow growing, some men choose a course of action called “watchful waiting.” This means routinely monitoring the progress of the disease without specific treatment, while being alert to the possible spread of the disease. But this carries some risks; for example, the cancer may grow beyond the prostate gland before your next doctor visit.

Fortunately, advances in technology have led to improvements in treatment. Today there are several minimally-invasive treatments available for prostate cancer. In choosing a treatment, you should look for one that combines the best possible outcome with minimal side effects. There are two major minimally-invasive treatments for prostate cancer today.

Brachytherapy
With brachytherapy, small radioactive seeds are implanted into the prostate where they irradiate prostate tissue. Side effects and discomfort are minimal, and the entire procedure usually takes less than an hour. For most patients this is an outpatient procedure and they go home the same day, returning to normal activities a few days later

Cryotherapy
With cryotherapy, thin needles are inserted into the prostate. Extremely cold gases flow through the needles forming ice balls at the tips of the needles, literally freezes the prostate, eradicating the cancer. Cryotherapy reduces the pain, risks, and long recovery times associated with surgery. Most patients are mobile the same day, and many are discharged the same day and return to normal activity within a few days.

(Source: Prostate Cancer Institute)

"New Zero" for PSA Defined

noreply@blogger.com (Don) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:49:00 +0000

A team of Northwestern University researchers, using an extremely sensitive tool based on nanotechnology, has detected previously undetectable levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in patients who have undergone radical prostatectomy.

The researchers found measureable PSA levels in each post-operative patient in its study, thanks to the power of the nanoparticle-based bio-barcode assay developed at Northwestern. The technology is 300 times more sensitive than commercially available PSA tests. After the removal of the prostate gland, patients typically have PSA levels that are undetectable when measured using conventional diagnostic tools.

This ability to easily and quickly detect very low levels of PSA may enable doctors to diagnose men with prostate cancer recurrence years earlier than is currently possible. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death for men in the United States. (Only lung cancer is more deadly.)

'We have defined a new zero for PSA,' said Chad A. Mirkin, George B. Rathmann Professor of Chemistry in the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, professor of medicine and professor of materials science and engineering. 'This level of sensitivity in detecting low concentrations of PSA will take the blinders off the medical community, especially when it comes to tracking residual disease.'

Some interesting items found at the Associated Urologists of Orange County website:

noreply@blogger.com (Don) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 19:07:00 +0000

Cryoablation therapy for prostate benefits include:
A minimally invasive procedure
Favorable success rates
Low complication rates
A short recuperation period
Procedure can be repeated if the first cryoablation has failed
It is less costly than other traditional treatments
Avoids traditional surgery and radiation

What is cryoablation?

Cryoablation of the prostate is a relatively new technique to treat prostate cancer. It is also called cryotherapy, cryosurgery, or just "cryo." It involves the controlled freezing of the prostate gland in order to destroy cancerous cells. Freezing occurs at the molecular, cellular and whole tissue structure levels. The small blood vessels feeding the cancer are destroyed by the freezing as well, further adding to the efficacy of the procedure.

Who are suitable candidates for cryoablation of the prostate?

Patients with organ-confined prostate cancer (stage T1-T3) and with cancer recurrence after radiation therapy are suitable candidates for cryoablation.

How is the procedure performed?

Under anesthesia, an ultrasound probe is inserted in the rectum. The prostate is imaged and measured. A computerized program is used to plan the treatment. Thermoprobes and cryoprobes are placed through the perineum at predetermined sites within the prostate. Freezing is started and monitored continuously both visually thru the transrectal ultrasound and by computer. Two freezing cycles are usually done.

Post-operative care

Patients are observed overnight in the hospital and discharged the day following the procedure with a suprapubic urinary catheter in place for drainage. The catheter is taken out few days later after the patient is able to void on his own. Pain associated with the procedure is minimal and usually controlled with oral pain medications. Other symptoms and signs patients may experience are generalized fatigue for a few days, scrotal swelling, urethral discharge and irritative urinary symptoms. All these problems subside within two to three weeks after cryoablation.

A PSA test is usually done at three months after cryoablation and repeated every three months. Close patient follow-up is mandatory to detect and treat potential cancer recurrence early.

Results of cryoablation

Seven and ten –year results show clinical outcomes after cryoablation comparable to those achieved with radiation therapy (conformal and brachytherapy) and surgery. Unlike radiation therapy, cryoablation can be repeated in case of cancer recurrence.

Zero - The Project to End Prostate Cancer

noreply@blogger.com (Don) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:27:00 +0000

Zero-the project to end prostate cancer, sponsored an event on Capitol Hill on September 23-24. The event brought the largest gathering of prostate cancer advocates ever to meet on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

Congressman Jim Marshell (D-GA) spoke about the Thomas J. Manton Early Detection and Treatment act, a proposal he plans to introduce that will provide early detection and treatment of prostate cancer for under-insured and uninsured men. The congressman also stressed the need for health care reform legislation in order to curb rising medical costs that, if left unchecked, would imperil the nation’s economy over the next two decades.

The two-day summit was packed with more than 100 meeting as attendees visited their elected officials. The summit also focused on developing effective prostate cancer grassroots networks in local communities to build greater awareness and support across the U.S.

This year marked Zero's 10th anniversary of bringing advocates together from across the U.S. to discuss key issues facing the prostate cancer community. It is the only summit annually held on Capitol Hill that specifically focuses on prostate cancer.

“The Summit to End Prostate Cancer represents an annual opportunity during September, known as prostate cancer awareness month, for supporters nationwide to gather in Washington, D.C. to speak up about prostate cancer and raise awareness of the importance of Federal Funding and other issues to help us achieve our goal of Zero Prostate Cancer," said Zero's CEO Skip Lockwood.

Ten Top Prostate Cancer Myths

noreply@blogger.com (Don) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 16:24:00 +0000

Here are the top prostate cancer myths and the information to expose common misconceptions about issues related to prostate cancer:

1. Prostate cancer is only found in elderly men.
While prostate cancer rates increase as men get older, it can be found in all ages of men. This is one of the more common prostate cancer myths that should be exposed, as more and more men are being diagnosed with prostate cancer and undergoing treatment for prostate cancer while in their forties and fifties.

2. No symptoms equals no prostate cancer.
Because of new treatment detections, men with prostate cancer can be diagnosed with little or no symptoms of prostate cancer. While there is no prostate cancer cure, the PSA test can provide an early detection before symptoms actually manifest. Common symptoms of urology prostate cancer as well as prostate cancer itself are hesitancy and frequency in urinary issues. Dribbling can also be a red flag but does not necessarily mean you have prostate cancer.

3. While prostate cancer is common, there are few men who actually die from the disease.
There is no prostate cancer cure but there are effective prostate cancer treatments that improve the success rate for men suffering from this disease. However, it must be recognized that prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death among men battling cancer in the United States.

4. A low level PSA determines that you do not have prostate cancer.
A low level PSA does not mean that you do not have prostate cancer because the test is not perfect. A prostate biopsy is the only fool-proof way to diagnose this type of cancer.

5. A high level PSA determines that you have prostate cancer.
There are many causes for a high level PSA. Besides prostate cancer, prostate inflammation or infection can also cause elevated PSA levels. Riding a bicycle or horse can also cause an increase in PSA.

6. Vasectomies can cause prostate cancer or urology prostate cancer.
There is no research to back up this common misconception.

7. Prostate cancer can be passed to others.
Cancer of any kind is not infectious. Prostate cancer is not communicable and therefore cannot be passed on to someone else.

8. Impotence and incontinence always occurs with prostate cancer treatments.
Although these side effects may occur immediately following prostate cancer surgery, not all men suffer from impotence or incontinence. Treating prostate cancer does not always cause these side effects and the prostate cancer new treatment brings about therapies that can actually improve sexual performance.

9. If your PSA levels are low, you do not require further examination.
As previously discussed, a low PSA level does not mean that you have prostate cancer, but a DRE or digital rectal examination may be ordered by the doctor to rule this out for sure. As there is no prostate cancer cure, it is important to abide by doctor’s orders.

10. The prostate cancer rate in the USA is on the rise.
While prostate cancer rates have increased in the USA over the previous years, the current rate remains stable, with the help of prostate cancer new treatment and early detection procedures.

Forum Highlights Importance of Early Screening

noreply@blogger.com (Don) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 16:06:00 +0000

During the commemoration of the 14th anniversary of the Million Man March, the Louis Farrakhan Prostate Cancer Foundation held a forum to highlight the importance of God, awareness, early screening and the need for proper nutrition in the battle against cancers prevalent in the poor communities of America.

The forum brought together several experts in various aspects of health care.
The foundation was launched in May of 2003 in conjunction with the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan‘s 70th birth anniversary. The launch was themed “a party with a purpose” and drew attention to Minister Farrakhan's call to action for Black men to be proactive about the dreaded disease and their overall health.

According to statistics, black men suffer far worse health than any other racial group in America. There are a number of reasons for this, including racial discrimination, a lack of affordable health services, poor health education, cultural barriers, poverty, no health insurance and insufficient medical and social services catering to black men.

Statistics show that black men live 7.1 years less than other racial groups. Compared to women they experience disproportionately higher rates in all leading causes of death. Forty percent of black men die prematurely from cardiovascular disease as compared to 21 percent of white men and have a higher incidence and a higher rate of death from prostate cancer.

“It is awareness and lack of screening,” said panelist Maurice Muhammad, a state of Alabama magistrate and Nation of Islam Study Group Coordinator. Maurice Muhammad is involved in a partnership with health care providers in eight counties across the state to increase awareness and strongly advocate preventive action.

Racial Disparities Narrow for Prostate Cancer Outcomes

noreply@blogger.com (Don) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 19:06:00 +0000

Racial disparities in prostate cancer diagnosis narrowed dramatically from the late 1980s to the middle of this decade, according to a review of a large government database.

The proportion of newly diagnosed prostate cancers that were stage T3 or T4 decreased by more than 80% in white and black men alike. Age at diagnosis decreased among men of both races, investigators reported online in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

"It will be important to examine whether more patients being diagnosed at earlier stages ultimately results in a decreased mortality from this highly prevalent malignancy and whether the narrowing of the racial disparity in the presentation of advanced prostate cancer is ultimately accompanied by a similar trend in mortality," Grace L. Lu-Yao, PhD, of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in New Brunswick, and colleagues concluded.

The incidence of prostate cancer has increased substantially since the introduction of PSA testing in the late 1980s. Some authorities had predicted that increased diagnosis of early-stage prostate cancer would lead to a change in the risk profile of patients, the authors said. But representative population-based studies to examine prostate cancer risk profiles have been lacking.

To address the limitations of existing data, Lu-Yao and colleagues turned to the NIH-sponsored Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, which includes registries that cover about 26% of the U.S. population and that have 98% case ascertainment.

The authors generated a profile of 82,541 prostate cancer patients diagnosed during 2004 to 2005 and compared the data with profiles developed for patients diagnosed in 1988 to 1989 and 1996 to 1997.

From 1988 to 2005, the mean age of prostate cancer patients at diagnosis decreased from 72.2 to 67.2. During the same period, the incidence of T3-4 disease decreased from 52.7 to 7.9 per 100,000 among whites and from 90.9 to 13.3 per 100,000 among black men.

During 2004 to 2005, black men with prostate cancer were diagnosed at a younger age (64.7 versus 67.5 for white men, P<0.001), and they had a higher PSA level at diagnosis (7.4 versus 6.6 ng/mL, P<0.001).

The authors suggested the narrowing of racial disparities in prostate cancer reflects increased awareness of the need for PSA screening at a younger age in black men and other high-risk individuals, as recommended by the American Cancer Society and American Urological Association.

In support of that suggestion, they noted that a greater proportion of young black men have undergone PSA testing compared with white men of similar ages.

However, across all ages, more black men had high-risk prostate cancer compared with white men, the authors noted.

(Report taken from MedPageToday.com)