Prostate Cancer Archive

Most men with prostate cancer have low-grade cancer, meaning the cancer is unlikely to spread or affect quality of life or longevity. But men whose initial prostate biopsy shows an intermediate-risk or high-risk cancer, or those who began active surveillance for low-risk cancer but develop a rising PSA or new symptoms suggesting aggressive cancer, have several treatment options available. These include different combinations of radiation, surgery, androgen deprivation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and anti-androgens.

Looking after a loved one who has prostate cancer can be overwhelming. Caregivers play crucial roles in supporting a patient's physical and psychological well-being. But what does that entail? Here's what to know about effective communication, day-to-day support, and taking care of yourself.

Roughly one in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their lives, but these cancers usually aren't life-threatening. The least risky form of the disease occurs frequently with age, will not metastasize to other parts of the body, and it doesn't require any immediate treatment. So, should it even be called cancer?

Researchers are developing tools for predicting how fast prostate cancer might progress; among the most promising are those that count circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in blood samples. Research shows that high CTC counts predict poorer survival and faster disease progression. But they are also predictive for early-stage metastatic prostate cancer that still responds to hormonal therapy.

In a 2024 study, transperineal prostate biopsies were less likely to cause infections than traditional transrectal biopsies. Transperineal biopsies retrieve tissue samples using a thin needle inserted through the skin between the scrotum and rectum.

A 2024 study suggests that men who follow active surveillance for their low-grade prostate cancer may reduce the risk of their cancer becoming more aggressive if they maintain a healthier diet, which can help reduce inflammation.

Radiation therapy for prostate cancer used to involve weeks or months of treatment. Today, radiation delivery is moving toward higher doses given with fewer sessions over shorter durations. Results from a clinical trial show that the two types of therapy offer the same long-term benefits.

There are three main treatment options for men whose prostate cancer has grown and become more likely to spread: surgical removal of the prostate, radiation to destroy the cancer cells, and hormone therapy to slow the cancer's growth. One aspect of treatment men should consider is the possibility of side effects. Understanding how common they are and their potential consequences can help men with their treatment choices.

Abnormal results on a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening test for cancer are typically followed by a systematic biopsy. But systematic biopsies can be problematic, and researchers are seeking alternatives. A large European study provides encouraging evidence favoring a different approach that uses MRI instead of biopsy.

Men with high prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels often get a biopsy of prostate tissue to check for cancer. The results of the biopsy are calculated to create a Gleason score, which helps doctors assess whether the cancer is low-, medium-, or high-risk. Based on that information, doctors may recommend that a man follow active surveillance (in which he monitors his PSA for changes) or begin cancer treatment.