PROSTATE CANCER TREATMENT

Personalized Hematology-Oncology is a leader in genetic testing and targeted therapies for prostate cancer treatment. The prognosis for men with prostate cancer is often positive, as most people do not die from the disease. According to the National Cancer Institute, the five-year survival rate for prostate cancer is 96.8%. For those diagnosed at the localized stage, the five-year survival rate is 100%. Survival rates are also increasing rapidly as our understanding of the disease grows. Incidence of new prostate cancer cases decreases each year, and death rates are decreasing by 1.2% annually.

Prostate cancer affects one out of eight men and is the second most common cancer in men after lung cancer. There are five different types of prostate cancer: sarcomas, small cell carcinomas, neuroendocrine tumors, transitional cell carcinomas, and adenocarcinomas. Most cases of cancer in the prostate are adenocarcinomas; the other types are incredibly rare. Prostate cancers are typically slow to develop. In fact, many men live with prostate cancer for the later half of their lives without knowing it.

The exact risk factors for prostate cancer are still relatively unknown, but the primary factors are obesity, family history and age. Prostate cancer tends to affect men after the age of 50, so regular screenings at this age are appropriate. A family history of prostate conditions can double your risk of developing the disease. A lack of exercise and high blood pressure can increase your risk slightly, so proper exercise and diet are important for prevention.

Due to the slow growth of most prostate cancers, many men may show no symptoms in the early stages of the disease.

Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

• Trouble urinating
• Burning or pain during urination
• Weakened urine stream
• Frequent urges to urinate
• Loss of bladder control
• Pain in the pelvic region
• Erectile dysfunction
• Blood in semen
• Painful ejaculation
• Bone pain

Due to the slow moving nature of prostate cancer and the evasiveness in screening procedures, it is important to discuss options with your physician to be fully informed of the pros and cons of prostate screening. The two most common tests to screen for prostate cancer are a digital rectal exam and a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. A biopsy is the only way to definitively diagnose prostate cancer. Talk with your physician about the results of these preliminary tests, and consider that along with your symptoms and medical and family history.

The oncologists at Personalized Hematology-Oncology are experts in applying gene expression profiling to determine the optimal chemotherapy treatment, targeted molecular therapies and infusion administration for each patient’s particular type of prostate cancer. This customized approach to cancer treatment elevates the level of care for patients and can improve the rate of survival.