Medically reviewed by
Dr. Karim Tazi
McLeod Oncology and Hematology Associates

Novel drugs based on genetics, hormone blockade combinations and immunotherapy represent some of the newer approaches to treating prostate cancer in men. Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer among men and the second leading cause of cancer death in men (second to lung cancer), according to the National Cancer Institute.

“Traditional treatments for prostate cancer include surgery (a prostatectomy), radiation and anti-hormonal therapy,” says McLeod Oncologist Dr. Karim Tazi. “New advances in diagnostic methods, treatment strategies and radiation techniques are raising the five-year survival rate to 98 percent (and 100% if the cancer is discovered early).

NEW RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENTS

Genetic Testing helps identify men at high risk for this cancer and opens new treatment options.

Hormone Therapy. By reducing the level of androgen (male hormones) or preventing them from working can shrink the tumor or slow its growth. However, hormone therapy does not cure prostate cancer. Newer, more effective hormonal blocking drugs are becoming available.

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. Cancer cells evade attacks from the body’s immune system by turning off key cells (T-cell) of our immune response.  Newer drugs target these checkpoint cells making the cancer cells more visible and intensifying our immune system response.

Vaccines. In prostate cancer, the FDA has approved a vaccine treatment that works by stimulating and helping the immune system to recognize prostate cancer cells.

ACTION YOU CAN TAKE

If you are experiencing symptoms of prostate cancer – such as a problem urinating, blood in the urine, erectile dysfunction, loss of bladder or bowel control – see your personal physician.

Have a question?  Ask a Cancer Specialist.

Sources include: McLeod Health, Prostate Cancer Foundation, American Cancer Society, American Society of Clinical Oncology, International Journal of Molecular Science, US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, National Cancer Institute