Prostate Cancer Treatments

For many men, hearing the words “prostate cancer” sparks a mix of fear and confusion. It’s a condition that becomes more common with age – especially after 50 – but it’s also one of the most treatable forms of cancer when found early. And thanks to improvements in screening and care, men today have more options than ever.

One of the first tools in identifying prostate cancer is the PSA test. The PSA antigen, or prostate-specific antigen, is a protein the prostate naturally produces. Higher-than-usual levels in the blood may signal something unusual happening in the gland. But a raised PSA doesn’t automatically point to cancer. Infections, recent exercise, even a recent ejaculation or prostate stimulation during an exam can all affect the reading. That’s why doctors don’t rely solely on this number – they consider it alongside other factors.

When prostate cancer is confirmed, the treatment journey begins. But there’s no universal approach. Everything depends on the stage of the disease, its aggressiveness, and the man’s age, health, and preferences. Some cancers grow so slowly that no treatment is needed right away. Others demand immediate attention.

Most Often Discussed Options

1. Active surveillance: For cancers that are small and slow-growing. It means regular PSA tests, imaging, and sometimes biopsies, but no immediate treatment unless things change.
2. Surgery (prostatectomy): Removal of the prostate gland. It’s more common when the cancer is localized and the patient is healthy enough for a procedure.
3. Radiation therapy: This uses focused energy to destroy cancer cells. It can be delivered externally or via radioactive seeds placed in the prostate.
4. Hormone therapy: Some cancers feed on testosterone. Lowering hormone levels can slow or shrink tumors, particularly in more advanced cases.
5. Other therapies: These include HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound), cryotherapy, or clinical trials for newer drugs. They may be used in very specific scenarios or when standard treatments haven’t worked.

Recognizing prostate cancer symptoms can be tricky. Many men don’t notice anything in early stages. Others might experience difficulty urinating, a weak urine stream, blood in urine or semen, or pelvic pain. Sometimes, back pain or unexplained weight loss can signal that the disease has spread.

Geography plays a role, too. Different cancer rates by country reflect everything from diet and environment to the availability of screening. In countries where PSA testing is common, cancers tend to be caught earlier – when they’re easiest to treat.

The outlook today is far more hopeful than in decades past. Thanks to better awareness and newer treatments, the survival rate prostate cancer – especially when caught early – is high. Many men not only survive but return to work, relationships, and daily routines with few lasting effects.

What ultimately matters most is making informed choices. Some men prioritize longevity, willing to endure side effects to reduce any risk. Others want to preserve their current quality of life for as long as possible. There’s no one-size-fits-all plan. But with good information and a trusted medical team, it’s absolutely possible to face prostate cancer with clarity – and confidence.If you’d like to speak with a specialist, just send us a request through our website. We’ll match you with a trusted expert in the right field, drawing from our wide network of top oncology institutions to make sure you get the care you deserve.

Shenzhen Genoimmune Medical Institute (GIMI)

Shenzhen, China

The Shenzhen Geno-Immune Medical Institute (GIMI) stands at the forefront of gene and immune cell therapy, pioneering innovative solutions beyond FDA-approved CAR-T treatments. Led by renowned expert Prof. Lung-Ji Chang, inventor of the widely-adopted lentiviral vector system, GIMI has delivered effective treatments for over 1,000 cancer cases with cutting-edge 4th generation CAR-T technologies.

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