The diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer (PCa) is currently undergoing a revolution similar to that seen over the past three decades with respect to the improvements made in breast cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment options.  The long-standing gold standard for PCa diagnosis is the Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS) guided prostate needle biopsy.  While TRUS is still used to make an initial diagnosis, in recent years, the development of a staging prostate biopsy - the Transperineal 3D Mapping Biopsy - has been introduced, allowing physicians to better understand the stage and gravity of the cancer in order to make more informed treatment decisions. 

"We have been working hard to bring prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment to more advanced states.  Our approach follows similar efforts from  breast cancer patients and advocates, which have  led to the decline of radical mastectomies, an increase in research and better diagnostic test, treatment and surgical options," said Dr. E. David Crawford, Chairman, Prostate Conditions Education Council and Professor of Urology and Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado.  

Experts agree that prostate staging biopsies will yield better understanding of the extent and aggressiveness of the disease in patients.  This information allows physicians to develop individualized treatment plans for patients.  

"We expect to see a decline in the number of men who are undergoing unnecessary prostatectomies or radiotherapy," said Dr. Crawford.  "This, coupled with new focalized treatments that are the equivalent of the 'male lumpectomy' should help us see an increase in positive outcomes for men diagnosed with the disease."

Read More: 

PCEC Staging Press Release

Vanguard Article

Prostate cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer among American males. More than 220,000 will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year and 32,000 men will die from the disease.   Young men aged 35 to 44 have been found to have the highest percentage of advanced (metastatic) disease and risk of death.  In addition, African American men are 1.6 times as likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer and 2.4 times as likely to die of this disease.

For over a decade, limited treatments were available for men with advanced prostate cancer.   New and emerging therapies like Provenge, Jevtana and Zytiga, provide a significant improvement in survival and quality of life for these patients.  These new treatments not only provide hope to men, and their loved ones, who otherwise would have had few options, but they also provide the opportunity for advanced prostate cancer patients to engage in a meaningful conversation with their health care providers.

A Team Approach to prostate cancer is very important. Research has shown that having a team of physicians may improve patient outocmes in the fight against prostate cancer. Your Team may include a urologist, a radiation oncologist, a medical oncologist, nurses, your primary care doctor, support services and your family.

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