Who treats prostate cancer and how is it treated?
Prostate cancer affects each person differently, with each case bringing its own challenges. Some of the main challenges include varying symptoms, multiple treatment options, and the emotional impact on patients and families.1,2 Working with a multidisciplinary team may be the key to navigating this complex disease. So, who might be on your team? And what treatments might they consider.
Who treats prostate cancer?
The expertise required to treat prostate cancer are can vary based on several factors, including the grade and stage of the cancer, the patients age and overall health, if the cancer has spread and the patients' personal preferences as well as treatment goals.1 Specialists who bring their specific knowledge and skills to the table may include:3
- Urologist: A surgeon who treats diseases of the urinary system and male reproductive system, including the prostate
- Radiation oncologist: A doctor who treats cancer with radiation therapy
- Medical oncologist: A doctor who treats cancer with medicines, such as hormone therapy, targeted therapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy, just to name a few
Other healthcare professionals may also be involved in your care, including nurse practitioners (NPs), nurses, dietitian, pharmacists, psychologists, and other allied health professionals.1,3 If you would like to know more about additional healthcare professionals that may be available in your area, contact your nearest GenesisCare clinic.
How is prostate cancer treated?
The approach to treatment can vary significantly based on factors such as:
- The type, grade and stage of cancer
- Your general health
- Your age
- Your individual preferences
These factors play a crucial role in determining the most effective course of action (you can learn more about this in our latest blog here). There are different options for managing and treating prostate cancer, and more than one treatment may be suitable for you. Your healthcare team will let you know your options. These may include:
- Monitoring prostate cancer (active surveillance) – For prostate cancer that is not causing symptoms and is considered low risk. Generally, this involves prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests every 3 to 6 months, digital examination every 6 months, and MRIs and biopsies at 12 months and 3 years.4
- Surgery
- Removal of the whole prostate.4
- Transurethral resection of the prostate – This surgery option may be used to treat men with non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. It is also sometimes used in men with advanced prostate cancer to help relieve symptoms, such as trouble urinating.5
- Radiation therapy – External beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy) are used for early prostate cancer and may also be offered if surgery is not suitable.4
- Focal therapy – Only treats the visible cancer identified on image scans; other unseen areas in the prostate are not treated.6
- Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) – Prostate cancer needs testosterone. ADT (once calledhormone therapy) is used to slow the production of testosterone and is normally given through injections or tablets.4
- Palliative treatment – Treatment may include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or other drug therapies, and aims to improve the quality of life by alleviating symptoms of cancer.4
- Chemotherapy – Used to treat advanced prostate cancers, especially if there is a lot of cancer outside of the prostate gland. May be combined with hormone therapy.7
Clinical trials for prostate cancer are important for testing new treatments, therapies, and strategies to improve patient outcomes. They offer patients access to innovative therapies that are not yet widely available. To learn more about clinical trials & the role that they play, visit HERE.
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