The prostate is one of the most commonly diagnosed types of cancer in men today. Advances in medical research and technology have transformed the way in which prostate cancer can be treated. These advancements have made the treatment of prostate cancer much more personalized, with improvements in patient-specific outcomes, fewer side effects, and more options for men. In this article, we will discuss the advanced treatment options for prostate cancer.
- Active Surveillance and Watchful Waiting
If the prostate cancer is classified as low risk and the cancer appears to have a slow growth rate, then there may be no need for immediate treatment. Men who fall into this category can choose to undergo active surveillance, which involves monitoring the cancer through PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood tests, digital rectal examinations (DRE), and repeat needle biopsies of the prostate. This allows the patient to avoid or delay the impact of treatment side effects by continuing to closely monitor the cancer for any signs of progression. Alternatively, men who are older or have a limited life expectancy, and therefore have little or no prospect for treatment of their prostate cancer, can choose to undergo watchful waiting, which has a major focus on managing the patient’s symptoms associated with their prostate cancer.
- Surgery: Robotic-Assisted Prostatectomy
Robotic-assisted enlarged prostate surgery has significantly improved the quality of traditional prostectomy (removing the prostate), offering greater precision, less loss of blood, and a shortened recovery period. Robotic-assisted surgery provides the surgeon with enhanced vision and control when performing the surgery, which increases the likelihood of the prostate, urinary, and sexual function being preserved following surgery. Robotic-assisted prostatectomy can be performed on an outpatient basis and is regularly performed on men who have localised prostate cancer.
- Radiation Therapy
New technologies make radiation therapy a key procedure in treating prostate cancer more effectively and safely than before.
- IMRT (Intensity-modulated Radiotherapy) offers very precise targeting of the tumor while protecting the surrounding healthy tissue.
- IGRT (Image-guided Radiotherapy) offers real-time imaging that helps ensure the radiation is given accurately.
- SBRT (Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy) offers fewer treatment sessions with higher doses of radiation, with excellent control rates.
These more advanced techniques lead to fewer side effects, are more convenient for the patient to use, and do not sacrifice treatment effectiveness.
- Hormone Therapy (Androgen Deprivation Therapy)
Prostate cancer cells often depend upon mankind’s natural hormones, called androgens, to thrive. Hormone therapy lowers the level of androgens in the patient and/or blocks androgens from acting on the cancer cells, thus slowing disease progression. More recently approved hormonal agents, such as abiraterone, enzalutamide, and apalutamide, have significantly increased the number of options that are available to treat advanced or metastatic prostate cancer as compared to traditional hormone suppression agents.
- Targeted Therapy & Precision Medicine
Modern therapies have evolved to target the genetic and molecular features of cancer cells. For example:
- PARP inhibitors (such as olaparib and rucaparib) can be an effective treatment for individuals with certain genetic mutations (i.e., BRCA mutations).
- Precision medicine uses genomic testing to match an individual to the therapy that has the greatest potential of providing an effective treatment based on his/her individual cancer profile.
These types of therapies can improve clinical outcomes while reducing side effects that may occur with less targeted therapies.
If you are looking for prostate gland enlargement treatment or enlarged prostate surgery in Mohali, Sohana Hospital Mohali might just be the right destination for you. Sohana Hospital provides the gold standard of urological care backed by world-class technology and experienced urologists. Book your appointment today!