Category: General Prostate
How to Survive Prostate Cancer: All, Nothing at All, or Something In Between?
What’s the best way to deal with prostate cancer (PCa)? The obvious answer is, do something about it. For decades, “doing something” meant radical prostatectomy (RP). In other words, surgically remove it all. More recently, the pendulum has started swinging the other way in a surge toward active surveillance (AS). From 2010 to 2015, the keep readingHow Does Hormone Therapy for Prostate Cancer Work?
Testosterone is a wonderful thing that makes men MEN. In adult males, roughly 10% of testosterone is converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Both testosterone and DHT are androgens (hormones) produced by the testes and adrenal gland. They circulate through the body, shaping male sexual development and adult male sexual function. But they would be ineffective without keep reading
Brachytherapy: Follow the Bouncing (PSA) Ball?
Prostate specific antigen (PSA) is like an ID tag for prostate cells. Each prostate cell, whether normal or cancerous, carries proteins (antigens) that can be “shed” into the bloodstream when some type of activity stimulates the prostate. Generally, the more constant the activity, the higher the level of PSA as measured by a simple blood keep reading
Androgen Deprivation Therapy and Radiation: A Synergistic Effect
There is a saying from the world of computer programming: “Theory is when you know something, but it doesn’t work. Practice is when something works, but you don’t know why.” This saying also captures something that mystified urology/radiation oncology teams for two decades. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) boosts the effectiveness of radiation therapy as a keep readingStereotactic Body Radiation Therapy: Quality of Life vs. Possible Risks
The evolution of prostate cancer (PCa) treatment often seems like a moving target. Suddenly there’s a revolutionary new treatment, or an exciting development in an existing one. Patients benefit from technological advances, gains in experience, and improved scientific knowledge—but even the most promising must survive the test of time, since unintended consequences can show up keep readingHow Can Immunotherapy Boost Focal Laser Ablation?
In the years since I first began treating localized prostate cancer using Focal Laser Ablation (FLA), I have acquired a broader perspective on cancer and the whole person. The human body contains an amazing defense mechanism with a “seek and destroy” mission against invasion from without and abnormality from within. It is called the immune keep reading
Prostate Cancer in Families – Get the Word Out!
How much do you know about prostate cancer? Take this short quiz: 1.What is the greatest risk factor for prostate cancer? a) Exposure to environmental toxins like agent orange b) Family history c) Obesity d) Smoking e) Lack of exercise 2. How many cases of prostate cancer are hereditary? a) Less than 3% b) 3 keep reading
The Biggest BPH Treatment Breakthrough Yet?
The 18th century French writer and philosopher Voltaire was known for his wit. One remark is especially apt for this blog: “In the case of news, we should always wait for the sacrament of confirmation.” In January, 2018 the Nymox Pharmaceutical Corporation made a big urology news splash with the announcement that the World Journal keep reading
When it Comes to Food, Are You a Risk-Taker?
How would you rate yourself in terms of healthy eating habits? In a 2016 survey of 3,000 Americans, 75% of respondents said their diets were good, very good, or excellent. And yet, “…more than 80 percent of Americans fail to eat the recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables. At the same time, many Americans overeat refined grains keep reading
