New Prostate Cancer Treatments

The devastating news of a cancer diagnosis in the genital area can be especially devastating for a patient and their families - especially if they want to have children. The thought of prostate cancer in men or cervix cancer in women can cause an immense amount of worry and fear.

Exploring the causes, prevention, detection, testing and treatment of prostate cancer is a global effort. Recent studies have revealed that abnormal gene alterations could be the primary cause of this type of cancer, though the exact mechanism is yet to be understood. Fortunately, there is plenty of hope, with various treatment options available, even for advanced stages of prostate cancer. Early detection is crucial when battling any cancer, and prostate cancer is no exception.

Let's explore some of the potential measures to reduce your risk of contracting this condition from the outset.

Reducing Your Risk

Studies have uncovered exciting possibilities for certain compounds found in certain foods, such as lycopene in tomatoes and isoflavones in soybeans, to reduce your risk of prostate cancer and possibly even prevent it. Scientists are working hard to develop related compounds that are even more powerful, and could be taken as dietary supplements. However, research has indicated that a healthy diet, including these food items plus other fruits and vegetables, is likely to be even more beneficial.

Vitamin D could be a key factor in protecting your prostate health. Research has suggested that men with higher levels of vitamin D may be less likely to develop the more dangerous forms of prostate cancer.

Recent research has uncovered that men who take aspirin or statins for an extended period may be at a lower risk of contracting or succumbing to prostate cancer.

Discover some of the different treatment options for prostate cancer that are available to you.

Radiation Therapy

Thanks to the latest breakthroughs in technology, radiation treatment is becoming more precise than ever before. Revolutionary techniques like conformal radiation therapy (CRT), intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), and proton beam radiation are allowing physicians to minimize the amount of radiation given to healthy tissues. With these improved methods, radiation therapy is becoming increasingly effective while minimizing any possible adverse side effects.

Thanks to advances in technology, other forms of radiation therapy are becoming increasingly effective. Doctors can now use their cutting-edge computer programs to plan radiation doses and approaches more precisely than ever before, including in-the-moment planning of brachytherapy during the procedure.

Newer Treatments For Early-Stage Prostate Cancer

Researchers are exploring novel treatments for early-stage prostate cancer, such as high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), which could be used as the first line of defense or following unsuccessful radiation therapy. This treatment works by heating cancer cells with highly focused ultrasonic beams, and while it has been used in other countries for some time, it is only now being studied in the United States for its safety and effectiveness. Though most healthcare professionals in the US don’t currently consider it a proven first-line treatment for prostate cancer, its potential is being explored.

Nutrition And Lifestyle Changes

Numerous studies have explored the potential advantages of certain nutrients, including supplements, in aiding the treatment of prostate cancer. Some of the compounds being examined are extracts of pomegranate, green tea, broccoli, turmeric, flaxseed, and soy.

Through a study, a group of men with localized prostate cancer have managed to see a drop in their PSA levels by making some intense lifestyle changes. These included a vegan diet, regular exercise, participating in support groups, and practicing yoga. While the results have been promising, further studies are needed to see if this drop in PSA levels is sustained long-term. Despite the potential benefits, the regimen may be too intense for some men to keep up with.

Hormone Therapy

In recent years, new and innovative forms of hormone therapy have come to light, offering potential solutions when standard treatments have become ineffective. Examples of these are abiraterone (Zytiga), enzalutamide (Xtandi), and apalutamide (Erleada). Further research is currently being carried out to explore further possibilities.

Inhibitors of 5-alpha reductase, such as finasteride (Proscar) and dutasteride (Avodart), are being explored as potential treatments for prostate cancer. These drugs work by blocking the conversion of testosterone to the more powerful dihydrotestosterone (DHT). In cases of active surveillance, or when the PSA level increases after a prostatectomy, these drugs may provide a viable solution.

Surgery

As research continues to advance, doctors are refining the surgical treatments used to combat prostate cancer. The intention is to eliminate the cancer while minimizing the risk of any potential side effects or complications. Although this process may be invasive, it can be an incredible lifesaver when other treatment options have been exhausted.

Final Thoughts

Prostate cancer is a potentially fatal condition if left untreated. Unfortunately, it is often not diagnosed until its symptoms, such as erectile dysfunction or blood in the urine, appear. This means that the cancer may have already advanced significantly. To prevent this, regular testing for prostate cancer is essential.

When it comes to combining different treatments, it's important for men to have a conversation with their healthcare team first. They'll be able to advise you on which ones are safe to use in conjunction with the treatment you are already taking.