Today we're going to talk about the five stages of prostate cancer. The PCRI has developed a system for patients. Prostate cancer is very complex. Who has time to study the full range of all the information associated with prostate cancer?

Today, the US FDA approved Erleada (apalutamide), an androgen receptor inhibitor created by Janssen Pharmaceuticals for the treatment of men with non-metastatic, castration-resistant prostate cancer. Erleada was approved after a priority review of...

Prostate cancer is highly curable when it is identified at an early stage. The PSA blood test, although not foolproof, improves the chance of arresting cancer while it’s still contained within the prostate. Detecting prostate cancer early gives men...
 

The 2017 Moyad + Scholz Mid-Year Update was an incredible and enlightening experience. Conferences hosted by the PCRI are created to provide education, empowerment, and support for all attendees. This year, patients and caregivers came together to learn the most recent, accurate information on prostate cancer, have the opportunity to ask questions directly to speakers, and find a peaceful environment to interact with others who understand their situation.

Prostate size is an additional factor besides Gleason score, PSA, and the percentage of core biopsies involved with cancer, that needs to be considered when going through the treatment selection process.

Cancer that spreads outside the prostate gland is what makes prostate cancer dangerous. Metastatic prostate cancer cells cause malfunction by impeding normal function. Some organs, like lymph nodes for example, continue to function quite nicely, even if the degree of cancer spread is extensive.  Lymph node spread, therefore, is the least dangerous form of prostate cancer metastases.  At the other end of the spectrum is the liver, which is far less tolerant.  The seriousness of bone metastases, the most common site of prostate cancer spread, lies about half way between that of node metastases and liver metastases.

Every year’s Conference presents recurring themes.  This year’s focus was prevention, combination treatment and timeliness were emphasized. We live in an era of exploding technological progress. It is a delightful problem to have a wealth of new treatment options and diagnostic tools.  However, just like buying a new car or a new smart phone, it takes a little time to learn the ropes and fully exploit the complete range and capabilities of the new technology.  A short blog can’t cover everything from a three-day conference.  Here are a few comments. 

The term "adjuvant" means treatment “added to” the primary or initial treatment. When the primary treatment is surgery, even when all detectable disease is removed, there remains a statistical risk that the cancer will return due to microscopic cancer cells left behind. Men with high-risk features such as extra-prostatic extension or high Gleason score face a higher risk of recurrence.