Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy in men worldwide.

It is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and is the most prevalent malignancy in over 50% of countries.

Most prostate cancers grow slowly and are low-grade, presenting minimal aggressiveness. Early stages typically have no symptoms, but advanced stages may include fatigue, bone pain, spinal paralysis, and renal failure.

Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

• Fatigue due to anemia

• Bone pain or tenderness

• Paralysis from spinal metastases

• Urinary obstruction symptoms

• Renal failure from ureteral blockage

  
  

Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is primarily diagnosed using prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing and transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsies. Advanced diagnostic tools include PCA3 urine testing, Prostate Health Index (PHI), MRI, and genomic analysis.

Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer

• Advancing age

• Family history of prostate cancer

• African-American ethnicity

• Obesity and lack of exercise

• Genetic mutations (e.g., BRCA1, BRCA2, p53)

Symptoms and Causes of Prostate Cancer

Common Treatments for Prostate Cancer

Hormonal Therapy:

• Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT): Suppresses the production of testosterone, which fuels prostate cancer growth.

• Androgen Receptor Blockers: Inhibit testosterone from binding to prostate cancer cells.

  
  

Chemotherapy:

• Used for advanced prostate cancer to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells, often in cases where hormonal therapy is ineffective.

  
  

Radiotherapy:

• Targets and destroys cancer cells using high-energy radiation, often combined with hormonal therapy for better outcomes.

  
  

  

  Treatment of Prostate Cancer

  
  

Gene Therapy:

• Recent advances in genetics and tumor biology have paved the way for innovative gene therapies. These therapies aim to rectify genetic mutations, restore cellular apoptosis mechanisms, and target tumor-specific pathways.

Immunotherapy:

• Boosting the body's immune system to fight cancer cells is an evolving area of prostate cancer treatment. Techniques like dendritic cell vaccines and immune checkpoint inhibitors are under investigation.

Lifestyle and Supportive Measures:

• Dietary Interventions: Diets rich in antioxidants and low in saturated fats may support overall health during treatment.

• Physical Activity: Regular exercise improves quality of life and reduces treatment-related fatigue.