Category: General Prostate

It was true when we posted the blog below in 2017, and it’s still true now: surgical removal of the prostate gland does not guarantee a cure for prostate cancer. What it does offer, in the words of expert European urologists, is “a high chance of cure.” In fact, published rates of recurrence at 5 years after radical prostatectomy (RP) are as high as... keep reading

The use of an injectable hydrogel spacer to help minimize toxic effects of prostate cancer (PCa) radiation on the rectal wall has become a standard of care. By implanting the hydrogel into the tissue between the prostate and the rectum, a wider space is created, which “may significantly reduce the [radiation] dose received by the rectum and the risk of rectal toxicity [side effects, see explanation in the blog below].” How well does it work? keep reading

When a man is experiencing pelvic pain due to prostatitis (prostate inflammation) it’s important to rule out a bacterial infection. However, in most cases of chronic prostatitis, no cause can be found. It’s commonly recommended to patients to take over the counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) products such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, which are cheap and readily available. keep reading

Men with localized prostate cancer (PCa) are usually given three treatment choices: radical prostatectomy (RP), external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) or Active Surveillance (AS). Although patients are rarely told about minimal-to-noninvasive treatments that can be applied as focal therapy... keep reading

Less than a year after we posted the original blog on the safety of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in the context of prostate cancer (PCa), a team from Baylor College of Medicine (Houston, TX) published the following statement: “The fears of [TRT] causing or worsening prostate cancer... keep reading

Prostate cancer is considered highly curable when it is detected early! This is also when a patient has the most treatment choices, including Active Surveillance and focal therapy with few to no side effects. The problem is, early stage prostate cancer is a silent lurker with no symptoms. However... keep reading

In the 5+ years since we posted the blog below, a new grading system called Gleason grade group has simplified the two-number system, which was confusing for patients. For example, in Gleason 7 prostate cancer (PCa), what’s the difference between... keep reading

Melatonin is a hormone that contributes to the smooth functioning of our sleep-wake cycle. It is produced by the pineal gland, a very small structure in the center of the brain, and secreted into the blood. Production of melatonin is “switched off” by light coming into the eye and... keep reading

Does coffee ever go out of style? We think not. If anything, the unquenchable thirst for the perfect brew has driven the pervasive presence of franchises from coast to coast. Its widespread consumption may actually have the potential to... keep reading

I have written in the past about the problems with using prostate specific antigen (PSA) as a screening tool for prostate cancer. Virtually all men over age 40 know they should have a PSA blood test at their annual exam, yet few have a complete understanding of what it really says... keep reading