How to choose the best treatment for prostate cancer [Infographic]

Most patients that are diagnosed with cancer in the prostate are faced with the tough decision between the various types of treatment for prostate cancer available.

Adding to the initial shock and confusion that comes with the diagnostic, having to go through medical studies, mortality rates statistics, chances of remission and side effects can drastically alter the patients’ morale and lead him further along the path of despair. Being bombarded from each side of the fence by contradictory information, with everybody knowing somebody that has chosen one way or another, contributes to all this confusion and, in the end, you may choose an “I’ll take my chances” or “God’s will” approach and go with your first option of treatment or the one you think is the “easiest”.

A study published in New England Medical Journal, with a 24 year follow-up of 695 men, that compared the rate of mortality of watchful waiting and radical prostatectomy as options of treatment for prostate cancer, has demonstrated the effectiveness of surgery in lowering death rates for men under 65 and minimizing the chances of metastasis and cancer spreading to the bone for men over the age of 65.

Doctors at the Odette Cancer Center at Sunnybrook Research Institute in Toronto analyzed findings of 19 studies in the prostate cancer field, in order to determine the best option for prostate cancer patients between surgery and radiation therapy. The analysis has concluded that surgery is the better way of fighting the disease (especially when it’s localised) than radiotherapy (HIFU, SEEDs, Cyberknife). The results showed that people who are treated with various types of radiation are twice more likely to die of the disease as those who have had surgery. Moreover, there is a 50% increase in the chance to die sooner of any cause, compared to surgery patients. Prostate surgery has to be in the front line of treatment for prostate cancer as it helps with accurate diagnosis and evaluation of the cancer and its spreading, determine if the prostate has reached the outer tissues and helps compare PSA level test prior and after treatment.

How will the options of treatment for prostate surgery affect you in the long run?

In addition to that, choosing radiation as the first option of treatment for prostate cancer makes it very difficult for radical prostatectomy in case of remission. Contrary to popular belief, attacking localized prostate cancer with surgery will not expose your body to increased chances of the cancer spreading. In the hands of an experienced doctor, patients will avoid major side effects and will be able to maintain the highest level of continence and enjoyment in their sex life. Also, the chance of developing Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is drastically reduced after surgery.

We have created the infographic below in order to illustrate the medical studies and findings that compare the above mentioned options of treatment for prostate cancer.  Even tough you may form an opinion as to your preferred option, we advise you to consult with an experienced doctor and proceed with a cure that best suits your needs.

Being directly involved in the prostate cancer fighting team, Dr. David Samadi chose to specialize in prostate surgery after intensive studying of scientific research and direct interaction with people affected by the disease. Dr. Samadi is one of very few Oncologic surgeons in the United States who has extensive expertise in all three primary areas of surgery: open, laparoscopic and robotic. With more than 7000 robotic prostate surgeries and 800 robotic laparoscopic procedures performed, Dr. Samadi has developed the SMART (Samadi Modified Advanced Robotic Technique) procedure, which is an innovative approach for the removal of the cancerous prostate. His method greatly reduces the possibility of damage to the close located nerves, tissue and sphincter and the spreading of the disease. The body is entered through 6 small incisions, which cause minimal pain and bleeding. The after effects of the surgery are almost non-existent and get better over time: 97% of patients are continent, 85% of them have a high sexual function and the chances of cancer remissions are almost obliterated.