Push to diagnose common cancer in men sooner [Video]

Doctors say there are hurdles ahead for eligible patients to access a new prostate cancer treatment, as its approval is just step one.

What barriers can impact access to clinical trials and quality prostate cancer care? Dr. Sumit Subudhi shares helpful advice for addressing these issues by sharing information about financial support, diversity resources, and travel assistance to aid in access to care and clinical trials. Dr. Sumit Subudhi is an Associate Professor in the Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Learn more about Dr. Subudhi here: https://faculty.mdanderson.org/profiles/sumit_subudhi.htmlPatient Empowerment Network (PEN) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. PEN’s mission is to fortify cancer patients and care partners with the knowledge and tools to boost their confidence, put them in control of their healthcare journey, and assist them in receiving the best, most personalized care available to ensure they have the best possible outcome. Subscribe now to receive the latest news on cancer treatment and research: https://powerfulpatients.org/connect

E. David Crawford, MD, Editor-in-Chief of Grand Rounds in Urology and Professor of Urology at the University of California, San Diego interviews Edwin M. Posadas, MD, FACP, Director of the Experimental Therapeutics Program and the Medical Director of the Center for Uro-Oncology Research Excellence (CURE) / Urologic Oncology Disease Research Group at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center on his clinical experience with lutetium Lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan (PLUVICTO®). Dr. Posadas discusses several exceptional patient outcomes, including examples of patients who had previously undergone multiple rounds of chemotherapy or who had a poor future prognosis. These patients experienced remarkable disease control with few adverse events. Dr. Crawford then raises supply chain issues with lutetium and the difficulty of effectively treating patients with a popular drug in low supply.

The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is a blood test used to screen for prostate cancer. While the test is widely used, there are several dangers associated with it. One major concern is the potential for false positives, which can lead to unnecessary medical procedures and treatments. False positives occur when the PSA level is elevated due to reasons other than cancer, such as an enlarged prostate or an infection.Another concern with the PSA test is the potential for overdiagnosis and overtreatment. Prostate cancer is often slow-growing and may not require treatment, but if the cancer is detected through PSA testing, patients may be encouraged to undergo surgery or other treatments that can have serious side effects. Additionally, some studies have suggested that PSA testing may not actually reduce mortality rates from prostate cancer, further raising questions about the benefits of the test.If prostate cancer is detected and treated, one common treatment option is prostate removal surgery. While the procedure can be effective in removing the cancer, it can also have significant aftereffects. Incontinence and impotence are common side effects of prostate removal, and many men also experience pain or discomfort during sexual activity. Additionally, there is a risk of surgical complications, such as infection or bleeding.The emotional impact of prostate removal can also be significant. Men may experience anxiety, depression, and changes in their body image and sexual identity. Support from healthcare professionals and loved ones can be crucial in helping men cope with the aftermath of prostate removal surgery. Overall, while the PSA test and prostate removal surgery can be effective in treating prostate cancer, they are not without risks and side effects, and patients should carefully consider their options and discuss them with their healthcare providers.article sourcehttps://www.cnn.com/2023/03/11/health/prostate-cancer-surveillance-survival/index.html