Prostate Cancer Therapy

I am doing research for a friend who is considering having elective radiation after a radical prostatectomy. I am hoping for those who have had radiation done for prostate cancer to share their experience about the whole treatment and what were some of the side effects you experienced.

There are two types of radiation therapy treatments for Prostate Cancer. I am giving them below with the side effect of these treatments-

1.External beam radiation treatment uses high-powered X-rays to kill cancer cells. This type of radiation is effective at destroying cancerous cells, but it can also scar adjacent healthy tissue.

Side effects –
* Urinary problems. The most common signs and symptoms are urgency to urinate and frequent urination. These problems usually are temporary and gradually diminish in a few weeks after completing treatment. Long-term problems are uncommon.
* Loose stools, rectal bleeding, discomfort during bowel movements or a sense of needing to have a bowel movement (rectal urgency). In some cases these problems persist for months after treatment, but they improve on their own in most men. If you do have long-term rectal symptoms, medications can help. Rarely, men develop persistent bleeding or a rectal ulcer after radiation. Surgery may be necessary to alleviate these problems.
* Sexual side effects. Radiation therapy doesn’t usually cause immediate sexual side effects such as erectile dysfunction, but some men who’ve had the treatment have sexual problems later in life.

2. Radioactive seeds implanted into the prostate have gained popularity in recent years as a treatment for prostate cancer. The implants, also known as brachytherapy, deliver a higher dose of radiation than do external beams, but over a substantially longer period of time. The therapy is generally used in men with smaller or moderate-sized prostates with small and lower grade cancers.

Side effects –
* Urinary problems. The procedure causes urinary signs and symptoms such as frequent, slow and painful urination in nearly all men. You may require medication to treat these signs and symptoms. Some men need medications or the use of intermittent self-catheterization to help them urinate. Urinary symptoms tend to be more severe and longer lasting with seed implants than with external beam radiation.
* Sexual problems. Some men experience erectile dysfunction due to radioactive seed implants.
* Rectal symptoms. Sometimes this treatment causes loose stools, discomfort during bowel movements or other rectal symptoms. However, rectal symptoms from radioactive seed implants are generally less severe than with external beam radiation.-

Okay, we know that PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) is produced by prostate gland cells (the epithelium) hence it is reasonable to think that the cells will continue to manufacture PSA even if they are in locations outside the prostate? Having said that, does an elevated level of PSA in a prostate cancer patient in remission and with full/radical Prostatectomy indicates the presence of a metastatic tumor somewhere? If NOT how and why could the PSA levels be so elevated in the above described patient? Your informed comments will be greatly appreciated – Thank You.
***guitargadfly – Thanks for your concern and your kind answer. I am not the one afflicted with this horrible disease, but an older and very dear friend of mine. He has already suffered tremendously because of it. And now him and his wife are all worried to pieces with his latest elevated PSA results.

Because PSA is specific for prostate, I’d be very concerned about recurrence or metastasis.

There could have been invasion of the tumour that was missed, or early, previously undetected metastasis at the time of surgery.

My best to your friend… good luck with a bad disease.

I’m 14 dis year and i realised recently that at night when I am about to sleep I would have dis feeling of going to de toilet to urine…however everytime i do that only a little bit of urine comes out, my urine is clear. I read an article that frequent urination at night is a symptom of prostate cancer, but does my case classify as frequent urination at night? I also have pain on de left side of my pelvis and it is below my belly button. Am i suffering from prostate cancer? I do not have any of the other symptoms though.

I REALLY DOUBT IT HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH CANCER MAYBE ITS JUST A PROSTATE PRBLEM BUT YOU SHOULD VISIT A DOCTOR…

Duration : 0:4:9

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Tags: and, cancer, dysfunction, erectile, Penile, prostate, Prosthesis

Following hormone therapy, the PSA may still increase. Managing this situation is very controversial. Learn about the various options and how to decide what to do.

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Tags: antigen, cancer, hormone, increasing, prostate, PSA, rising, specific, therapy

In some men, the PSA may still rise after radiation therapy. Is this dangerous? Do all men need to be treated? Can those who are potentially in danger be identified and selectively treated. Learn the answers in the accompanying video.

Duration : 0:6:55

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Tags: cancer, prostate, PSA, radiation, recurrent, rising, therapy

Dr. Briers is Founder and General Director of Beta Ventures a publisher, congress organiser and business consulting firm providing information, journals, further training and services for clinical biologists and the diagnostic and medical industry.

In addition to his work at Beta Ventures, Erik is an active member of Wij OOK! a Belgian Advocacy group for men with prostate cancer, representative of Belgium to Europa Uomo. Wij Ook Belgium is a chapter of Us TOO International. Wij Ook Belgium’s primary objectives are to support prostate cancer patients both on an individual basis and as a group. Wij Ook Belgium informs patients based on their own experience with the disease. As a group, we favour “quality of life” and not just survival, we strive for optimal quality of care and equal care for all men, not only men in Belgium.

Upon his 50th birthday, during a medical check-up Erik requested a Prostate Specific Antigen test (PSA). The test revealed elevated PSA levels and upon further tests, Erik was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2001. Following diagnosis, he underwent a radical prostatectomy at the Leuven University Hospital. Nerve damage resulted from the prostatectomy and complications during surgery. Surgery was successful, and Erik now has a PSA of zero and is living without having to undergo further treatment for the cancer (until now).

Erik began his career as a physics and chemistry instructor, holds a doctorate in Chemistry from the University of Leuven and is fluent in Dutch, French and English.

Find out more at http://www.urologyweek.org

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Tags: briers, cancer, erik, explain, patients, prostate, urology, week

New Prostate Cancer Procedure Being Tested in US Clinical Trials International HIFU

High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) Procedure Reduces Side Effects, May Increase Quality of Life
January 2009 According to the American Cancer ociation, prostate cancer affects one in six men in the U.S. and is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men. When caught and treated early, survival rates can be more than 90 percent, making swift treatment key.

Existing treatments however, can be limited and affect quality of life due to significant side effects, including loss of muscle mass, depression, decreased mental acuity and impotence. Now a High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) procedure, available in 33 countries outside the US including Europe, is being tested in US Phase III clinical trials. HIFU is a minimally invasive procedure that uses the Sonablate(r) 500 ultrasound device to destroy cancerous tissue with focused sound waves.

By focusing sound waves in a targeted area, HIFU can rapidly increase the temperature in the focal zone, causing tissue destruction. This procedure is radiation-free and doesn’t preclude any other treatment options.

For more and more information regarding the risks and benefits ociated with HIFU, go to www.InternationalHIFU.com.

NOTE: Sonablate(r) 500 is not approved for use in the U.S. It remains investigational in the U.S. and is being studied as a prostate cancer treatment in clinical trials in the U.S. The FDA has made no decision as to the safety or efficacy of Sonablate(r)500 for the treatment of prostate cancer. USHIFU is a worldwide leader in the development, distribution and use of minimally invasive high intensity focused ultrasound technologies. International HIFU is the entity through which USHIFU conducts its international business operations and makes the HIFU technologies available to US patients at centers outside the United States where such technologies are approved.

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Tags: Being, cancer, Clinical, in, New, procedure, prostate, Tested, Trials, US

Authorized Vendor for Cholesterol Support High cholesterol levels are among the primary causes of heart disease, are implicated in gallstones, mental impairment, impotence and high blood pressure, colon polyps and cancer (especially prostate cancer) Dr. Venessa is pleased to present the most complete and effective formula to support healthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels. This formula is designed with the latest clinical ingredients that are currently used in major Clinical Research centers with significant results such as: Red Yeast Rice, Guggul, Green Tea Extract and others in high pote

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DHEA 10 Mg 60 Tab From Nutricology Time-release DHEA (plant source) for superior utilization. DHEA is an important adrenal hormone.* Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, for women: 1/2 to 1 tablet per day; for men: 1 to 2 tablets per day, or as directed by a healthcare practitioner. Serving Size 1 tablet Servings per container 60 Amount per serving: DHEA 10 mg Other ingredients: Dicalcium phosphate, stearic acid, magnesium stearate, cellulose, silicon dioxide. This nutrient is of the highest quality and purity obtainable, free of all common allergens (antigens), and does not contain preservatives, diluents, or artificial additives. Variations in product color may occur. Keep in a cool, dry place, tightly capped. WARNING: NOT FOR USE BY INDIVIDUALS UNDER THE AGE OF 18 YEARS. DO NOT USE IF PREGNANT OR NURSING. Consult a physician or licensed qualified health care professional before using this product if you have, or have a family history of, prostate cancer, prostate enlargement, heart disease, low “good” cholesterol (HDL), or if you are using any other dietary supplement, prescription drug, or over-the-counter drug. Do not exceed recommended serving. Exceeding recommended serving may cause serious adverse health effects. Possible side effects include acne, hair loss, hair growth on the face (in women), aggressiveness, irritability, and increased levels of estrogen. Discontinue use and call a physician or licensed qualified health care professional immediately if you experience rapid heartbeat, dizziness, blurred vision, or other similar symptoms. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. *These statements has not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. DHEA 10 Mg 60 Tab From Nutricology UPC:713947747814

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