Category: Prostate Cancer

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 the COVID pandemic began shutting us down in March 2020, life became surreal. The lockdown imposed dramatic changes in work/social life, and curtailed movement outside the home. Likewise, delivery of medical care suffered. Hospital staff were overwhelmed by the early waves of very ill and highly infectious patients, while well people who avoided routine keep reading

In recent years, there’s been a huge groundswell of Active Surveillance (AS) for low-risk prostate cancer (PCa) patients. In fact, it’s considered the preferred PCa management strategy for men with lower-risk disease. There are two primary factors at play: 1) patient resistance to undergoing definitive whole gland treatments that can impair urinary and sexual function, keep reading

The tragic terrorist bombing of the World Trade Center (WTC) on Sept. 11, 2001 immediately took the lives of 2606 victims. Now, 20 years later, a silent terrorist may be lurking in the bodies of courageous, generous men who responded to the devastating attack with the desire to help. Exposure to potentially toxic substances appears keep reading

When it comes to spending money, you have choices. According to wealthfit.com, “Whether you spend 10 seconds or 10 days weighing a decision, each one comes with strings attached. With each option you choose, you’re saying ‘no’ to a different option. The value of what you do not select is called your opportunity cost. You keep reading

You’re breezing along the railroad track of life. Like the steel wheels on a train, your choices in life have almost totally reduced friction and enhanced your midlife journey. Before you arrive at the next station, you’re at the peak of your career and in overall great health. Suddenly, where the steel meets the tracks, 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

“Introducing the ultimate technology in Precision Medicine for Prostate Focal Therapy.” “TSPA is the only technology designed for Prostate Focal Therapy” These bold claims announce the availability of Tissue Sparing Prostate Ablation (TSPA), known by its brand name as Encage. Encage uses a specific type of radiofrequency ablation (RFA), which basically cooks a tumor by keep reading

“Despite increasing adoption of active surveillance (AS) for low-risk prostate cancer, AS discontinuation rates are high, investigators report.” This quote, from a September 2021 Renal & Urology News report, referred to a study of over 16,000 Canadian prostate cancer (PCa) patients who had been diagnosed with low risk disease from 2008-2014. 51% of these patients keep reading