Tag: biochemical recurrence

The term “biochemical failure” means the presence of a rising PSA after any prostate cancer treatment. In fact, a rising PSA is the gold standard for suspecting prostate cancer recurrence (the cancer has come back). However, a precise, universal standard for defining biochemical failure is difficult because... keep reading

What can you do with leftover lemon peel? According to one food blog, you can use it to “whip up a mouthwatering seasoning, flavoring extract, luster-boosting furniture polish or all-purpose cleaner!” What if you could also use a component of lemon peel called pectin to cure prostate cancer? Sound crazy? Well, a multicenter study out keep reading

If your PSA is unusually high or your digital rectal exam finds an abnormality, how do you know if it’s prostate cancer? Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is now the universally preferred noninvasive method for identifying prostate cancer (PCa) prior to having a biopsy. In the years leading up to this, researchers worked toward agreement over keep reading

If your PSA is unusually high or your digital rectal exam finds an abnormality, how do you know if it’s prostate cancer? Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is now the universally preferred noninvasive method for identifying prostate cancer (PCa) prior to having a biopsy. In the years leading up to this, researchers worked toward agreement over keep reading

The earlier the better. That is the principle behind locating suspected metastasis (spread) of prostate cancer (PCa) anywhere in the body. This includes both soft tissue and bones. The sooner such colonies are identified, treatment plans can be created to extend life... keep reading

As a treatment for prostate cancer, prostatectomy (surgical gland removal) continues to be dogged by positive surgical margins. Patients who have PSMs are at higher risk for recurrence. The issue is not the surgical approach... keep reading

If there were an accurate crystal ball, would you want to know your future? And if you knew something bad was going to happen, would you try to take steps to avoid it? The ancient Greek notion that you can’t escape your fate is illustrated by the tragic tale of King Oedipus, who was informed keep reading

PSMA-PET scans have become the most sensitive prostate cancer (PCa) detection for metastasis (cancer that has spread to other parts of the body), including recurrent PCa after treatment. PET uses a radioactive tracer that has been molecularly bonded with a substance readily taken up by prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA). keep reading

Patients who choose robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) believe it’s the best way to eradicate prostate cancer (PCa). In their mind, this equates to a cure. In fact, PCa can recur (come back) as long as 15 or more years after any whole-gland treatment. Increasingly, no one talks about “cure” anymore. Instead, “success” is defined as keep reading

If you know someone with a medical crystal ball who can predict a prostate cancer patient’s outcome with 100% certainty, I’d like to hire that person to help my PCa patients gain the optimum treatment plan. Until that day, I continually seek top technology advances I can use in the service of my patients. Increasingly, keep reading