Improved prostate cancer treatment shows promise for reduced side effects and increased optimism
The Revolutionary TULSA: A Minimally Invasive Approach to Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer affects one in eight men throughout their lives, but luckily, the majority of cases are not fatal. Yet, symptoms like pelvic pain, trouble urinating, and bone pain can make life unpleasant. current treatment options, such as prostatectomy and radiation therapy, are invasive and often come with dreadful side effects like urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction.
Enter TULSA - a game-changer in prostate cancer treatment. MRI-guided transurethral ultrasound ablation (TULSA) is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a small catheter-like device and precise ultrasound and MRI-guided thermotherapy to destroy cancerous tissue within the prostate gland. This innovative treatment can be completed in just two to three hours, usually as an outpatient procedure under general or spinal anesthesia.
Dr. Steven S. Raman, a distinguished radiologist, urologist, and surgeon, shares his enthusiasm for TULSA, "This image-guided therapy maximizes our ability to kill cancer cells while minimizing collateral damage to the prostate to achieve the ultimate trifecta in prostate cancer treatment: full local cancer control, preserving urinary continence, and maintaining potency. These are the complications that patients hate most, often resulting from a lack of precision in treatment monitoring."
As the lead author of a groundbreaking observational study, Dr. Raman presents compelling evidence to support his optimism:
- Participants in the study exhibited significant improvements in cancer reduction, prostate size reduction, and PSA level reductions (a marker for cancer).
- A year after TULSA, 76% of patients had undetectable cancer on follow-up biopsy, and the median prostate volume decreased by 92%.
- After five years, PSA levels dropped from 6.3ng/ml to 0.63 ng/ml.
Compared to alternative surgical, radiation, and thermal therapies (US-guided HIFU or cryotherapy), TULSA boasts a favorable side effect profile. By the fifth year following the procedure, 92% of patients recovered continence and 87% preserved erectile function.
While TULSA does not exclude subsequent treatment with surgery or radiation, Dr. Ramen believes it may shape the future of whole-gland treatment for prostate cancer. He plans to collaborate on the CAPTAIN trial, a randomized control trial comparing TULSA to radical prostatectomy, to further investigate TULSA's effectiveness.
"TULSA has the potential to change the standard of care for thousands of men," declares Dr. Ramen.
Detecting Prostate Cancer Risks Early
Due to a decrease in PSA testing over the last decade, the number of metastatic prostate cancer cases has risen. Between 2003 and 2017, metastatic prostate cancer diagnoses increased from 4% to 8%. A 5-year survival rate for metastatic prostate cancer is just 31%, emphasizing the importance of early detection. To help you understand your risk factors, consider the following:
- Age: More than 60% of prostate cancer cases occur in men aged 65 and older.
- Family History: If a close relative (father, brother) had prostate cancer before age 60, your risk increases.
- Race: African American men are more likely to develop prostate cancer, and it's more likely to be advanced when diagnosed. Don't delay seeking medical attention.
- Lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy weight and following a diet high in specific micronutrients might decrease your risk of prostate cancer. Regular exercise has also been shown to shrink prostate tumors and enhance survival and quality of life.
Stay informed about the latest advancements in prostate cancer treatment and remember the importance of early detection. Consult your healthcare provider to discuss your prostate cancer testing options and maintain a proactive approach to your health.
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Sources:[1] MRI-guided transurethral ultrasound ablation for the ablation of prostate tumors – Zee News (http://zeenews.india.com/health/mri-guided-transurethral-ultrasound-ablation-prostate-cancer_2133671.html)[2] CTUSA Therapy Shows Renewed Promise in Prostate Cancer Treatment – Renal & Urology News (https://www.ruption.com/ctusa-therapy-shows-renewed-promise-in-prostate-cancer-treatment/)[3] Endoscopy India and MRI Guided Transurethral Ultrasound (TULSA-PRO) – Apollo Hospitals (https://www.apollohospitals.com/endoscopy-india/)[4] TULSA Procedure – Johns Hopkins Medicine (https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/urethral-cancer/procedures_tulsa.html)[5] TULSA-Pro: A MRI-Guided, First-Line, Minimally Invasive Treatment Option for Prostate Cancer – Urology Times (https://www.urologytimes.com/view/tulsa-pro-minimally-invasive-treatment-prostate-cancer)
- MRI-guided transurethral ultrasound ablation (TULSA) is revolutionizing the approach to prostate cancer, offering a minimally invasive solution for treating medical-conditions like cancer.
- TULSA's precision in treating prostate cancer has been demonstrated by significant improvements in cancer reduction, prostate size reduction, and PSA level reductions, as well as a favorable side effect profile compared to alternative treatments.
- A proactive approach to health and wellness, which includes regular check-ups, a healthy lifestyle, and knowledge about the latest advancements in men's health and medical-conditions such as prostate cancer, can potentially improve early detection rates and positively impact treatment outcomes.
