Demythologizing the Gold Standard
We live in an age of medical specialties that “compete” for patients. In women’s health, for example, treating noncancerous growths called uterine fibroid tumors has traditionally been the territory of gynecologists. Gynecologists, like urologists, were trained in surgery so they often recommend hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus) as the gold standard for treating severe keep readingStatins and Prostate Cancer: An Update
Last December I posted a blog entry on the possibility that statins, a class of cholesterol-lowering drugs, can reduce the risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer (PCa). If you’re interested, I summarized the relationship between how statins control cholesterol and scientific theories about the connection with PCa; you can read it at https://sperlingprostatecenter.com/statins-prostate-cancer/. I try keep readingActive Surveillance, Depression and Anxiety
There’s been a noticeable uptick in urologists recommending active surveillance (AS) for patients diagnosed with early stage, low risk prostate cancer. However, according to a new British study, nearly a quarter of men on AS will become depressed and anxious... keep reading
New Imaging Application Will Improve Multiparametric MRI
Back in May, I posted an article on our website about Haralick texture analysis as an amplification of prostate cancer features on multiparametric MRI. On July 28, a journal article on which I based the piece I posted was picked up by a medical news service, so I thought it was worth bringing attention to keep readingTelling the Truth About Post-Radiation Sexual Problems
Radiation treatments for prostate cancer are used in many different forms, both beam radiation and seed implants: EBRT (External Beam Radiation Therapy IMRT (Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy) 3D-CRT (3D Conformal Radiation Therapy) SBRT (Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy) Proton beam Brachytherapy (radioactive seed implants, either permanent or a single treatment of high dose rate brachytherapy, or keep readingMRI and The Magic 8 Ball
Within a few years after the blog below was posted, continued progress in multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) methods bolstered its ability to predict aggressiveness of prostate cancer (PCa) before biopsy. Technologic improvements have led to faster image acquisition and higher resolution images, in turn enhancing its predictive power. Now, to add even more predictive value... keep reading
BPH and Prostate Cancer: Is There a Connection?
BPH is not life-threatening, but it can certainly make a dent in quality of life. Some of my patients have asked if BPH can trigger or turn into prostate cancer (PCa). That’s a very good question. keep reading
