Teal Overview
Teal splits into three subtypes: Low-Teal, Basic-Teal, and High-Teal. Treatment is different for each subtype. Low-Teal has only one intermediate risk factor, with all the remaining factors being like those of Sky. Low-Teal is very similar to Sky and treatment with active surveillance is feasible. As such, men with Low-Teal should read our articles on Sky. Men with Basic-Teal have somewhat more extensive disease in their biopsy specimen, but less than 50 percent of their cores are cancerous. High-Teal, on the other hand, has two or more intermediate-risk characteristics, a Gleason grade of 4+3=7, or Gleason 7 in more than 50% of the cores. (See Appendices I and II for further information about Teal’s subtypes.) High-Teal, and even Basic-Teal can metastasize. So a staging bone scan and an MRI or CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis should be performed before starting any treatment.
Using Scientific Studies to Compare Treatment Options
Scientific studies are the main basis for evaluating a treatment’s effectiveness. Unfortunately, many studies of varying quality exist and studies can be found that will support almost any point of view. This means that not all studies are equally valid. To protect yourself from being misled, learn how to assess the quality of a study. First, don’t confuse yourself by considering any nonhuman study. Second, realize that retrospective database queries are untrustworthy. The best studies are prospective. They compare outcomes by randomly allocating patients into separate treatment groups that can be compared over time.
When Teal is managed appropriately, the vast majority of men will be cured. And even if a relapse occurs, most men will live out a normal life expectancy. Therefore, as consideration is given to the various treatment options, selecting a treatment with fewer side effects should be the priority.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Mark Scholz, MD is the Executive Director of the Prostate Cancer Research Institute. He is also the Medical Director of Prostate Oncology Specialists Inc. He received his medical degree from Creighton University in Omaha, NE. Dr. Scholz completed his Internal Medicine internship and Medical Oncology fellowship at University of Southern California Medical Center. He is co-author of Invasion of the Prostate Snatchers. He has authored over 20 scientific publications related to the treatment of prostate cancer.