New Treatment Methods for Prostate Cancer

In recent years, there has been good news for men diagnosed with prostate cancer who need a treatment that prolongs life while improving quality of life. New treatment methods have been developed, and it seems these can actually increase the chance of survival.

One in five Swedish men is diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their lives. In other words, many really need the hope that these new treatments provide. Some of the new research has taken place in Sweden and offers methods that can be gentler while still being effective.

Of course, it is always an advantage to take a PSA rapid test at home to ease anxiety. Even if you get a positive result, it's much better to receive this at an early stage and in a calm environment.

Treatment for Better Quality of Life

Those who survive prostate cancer can struggle with major issues such as impotence and incontinence after completing treatment. However, there is a new treatment for prostate cancer being tested in Sweden. It focuses on treating the tumor rather than the entire prostate gland. One result is a reduced risk of incontinence and impotence.

New Treatments Increase Lifespan

We also see that newer treatments can lead to longer lives for men with metastatic prostate cancer. With so-called double treatments, both hormone therapy and chemotherapy are used. This is not new in itself, and previous research shows that men receiving double treatment live about a year longer than those receiving only hormone therapy.

What is new is that this treatment method has actually been introduced in Sweden, as the Swedish healthcare system has embraced the study results. Nowadays, double treatment is recommended in the National Prostate Cancer Care Program. In Sweden, it has been observed that this has increased the lifespan of affected individuals by about six months.

Targeted Therapy for Prostate Cancer

Another form of treatment that has revolutionized cancer therapies worldwide is what is known as targeted therapy. This focuses on specific genetic characteristics of cancer cells. New drugs target specific pathways and mechanisms that cancer cells rely on to grow and survive.

This can delay the progression of the disease and, in some cases, mean that the patient lives longer. Specific drugs targeted at prostate cancer with particular genetic mutations have been tested to try to address metastases.

Immunotherapy

Another interesting treatment to mention is what is known as immunotherapy. This is a groundbreaking approach that uses the body's immune system to fight cancer. In the field of prostate cancer, several different types of immunotherapy have been tested, including so-called checkpoint inhibitors and special therapeutic vaccines.

In the USA, the FDA has approved the vaccine Sipuleucel-T, also known as Provenge. It is specifically designed to target prostate cancer cells and aims to improve the immune system's ability to attack the cells. This type of treatment has been shown to extend the lives of men with advanced prostate cancer.

Hormone Therapy Against Cancer

We should also mention hormone treatments for prostate cancer. This is a longer-term form of treatment, but there are now new drugs that are effective and have fewer side effects. This type of hormone therapy blocks the production or effects of androgens, i.e., male hormones that could promote the growth of cancer cells.

Modern forms of hormone therapy are particularly effective for advanced prostate cancer and can improve survival in patients who no longer respond to traditional hormone treatments.

Ultrasound Treatments

Another exciting area in cancer treatment is HIFU, which stands for high-intensity focused ultrasound. This is a very gentle treatment method that works with high-frequency ultrasound waves to heat and destroy cancer cells in the prostate.

The technology can be advantageous as it can target prostate cancer without surgery. The risk of side effects is lower, thus reducing the risk of incontinence and impotence after treatment. Studies conducted with this technique show good cancer control and a very low risk of complications.

Precision Medicine and Genetic Profiling

Precision medicine is a growing field. This area enables personalized treatment methods based on the patient's genetic composition. When genetically profiling prostate cancer, it is possible to identify mutations. With this knowledge, specific drugs can be used to tailor treatment for each individual's cancer.

This is good news because it means being able to make treatments more efficient while reducing the risk of side effects that can be difficult to live with. This is especially important when it comes to living longer. It's important to note that new treatment methods for prostate cancer may improve lifespan, but this must go hand in hand with good quality of life.

Proton Therapy

Another advanced form of radiation therapy is proton therapy, where protons are used instead of X-rays. Protons can be directed very precisely so that the tumor receives a high dose of radiation while surrounding healthy tissues are spared.

By being able to irradiate in this specific way, side effects can be minimized. When prostate cancer is close to critical structures, precision is crucial to avoid damage to surrounding healthy tissues, such as the bladder and rectum.

Lighter Treatments and Longer Survival

We can thus see that newer treatment methods for prostate cancer can extend survival time, but perhaps more importantly, these methods have fewer side effects. With targeted drugs, immunotherapy, and refined hormone treatments, we have effective options that may be particularly suitable for managing advanced and resistant forms of prostate cancer.

With treatments that the patient can tolerate, the disease period can also feel easier to manage. This, in itself, can increase the chances of recovery and living longer.