The first is a bioassay test. This test determines the presence of cancer cells in the prostate. If the results are negative, no further testing is needed. If the results are positive, an MRI is recommended. If the MRI reveals cancer cells, a biopsy is performed. The “Minimize Unnecessary Biopsies” approach is best for patients who have a low risk of developing prostate cancer.
Another important way to lower your risk is to avoid foods that are high in trans and oxidative damage. Some foods that are known to raise the risk of prostate cancer include foods such as red meat, eggs, and processed food. Aside from limiting trans and saturated fats, green tea can also be consumed in moderation. It should not be consumed in excess as it can interfere with certain medications. However, the juice from pomegranates appears to be an effective treatment for some types of prostate cancer.
While prostate cancer can be detected at any age, it is generally more dangerous to wait until the disease has spread to other parts of the body. Having the disease diagnosed early will significantly increase the likelihood of surviving the disease. Patients who have early detection and treatment can expect a survival rate of more than 15 years. A biopsy that shows cancer in the prostate is the first step in treating the disease. The treatment for prostate cancer should not be delayed.
Another treatment option is to test for the presence of a gene mutation. This gene is known as HOXB13 and has been detected in 6% of early prostate cancers. It is a homeobox transcription factor and regulates the activity of androgen receptors. When the gene is mutated, the cells are more susceptible to androgens. Furthermore, HOXB13 mutations may block an important tumor suppressor gene and promote the growth of the prostate cancer.
Another treatment option is targeted therapy. This type of therapy involves using non-immunoglobulin scaffold proteins to deliver a cytotoxic payload to prostate cancer cells. Prostate cancers that express EpCAM have been linked to rapid tumor growth, resistance to chemotherapy, and reduced cancer-specific survival. DARP molecules can deliver Pseudomonas exotoxin A into EpCAM-expressing prostate cancer cells.
Germline testing for prostate cancer is also available. Patients with intermediate-risk disease are strongly recommended to undergo germline testing to identify mutations in BRCA1 DNA damage repair genes. Patients with a mutation in either of these genes are eligible for treatment with PARP inhibitors, such as olaparib or rucaparib. Platinum-based chemotherapy may be an effective option for patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer.
Among the organizations dedicated to advancing research, PCRI is a one-stop-shop for all things prostate cancer. You can find support groups, doctors, and clinical trials for treatment. Your money will go to improving the lives of prostate cancer patients. The website also has a prostate cancer staging quiz. You can take the quiz with a PSA test, digital rectal examination, or bone scan. There are also informational videos on treatment options, including prostate cancer.
