A Complete History of Prostate Cancer Treatment
Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer to affect men worldwide. Over the years, the treatment of prostate cancer has undergone significant advancements, revolutionizing patient outcomes and improving survival rates. While the diagnosis of prostate cancer can be frightening, today, men with prostate cancer have a range of treatment options available. Thanks to researchers and medical professionals, various treatment options have been developed to help manage this disease.
In this blog post, we will take an in-depth look at the fascinating history of prostate cancer treatments, exploring the various methods used over the years and how they have evolved to become more effective and less invasive.
Early History
The earliest recorded case of prostate cancer dates back to the 19th century. However, it wasn’t until the early 20th century that doctors began to recognize the symptoms of prostate cancer and develop treatments for the disease. The primary option available for prostate cancer treatments in the early days was surgery.
Prostatectomy
The first documented case of prostatectomy was performed in 1904, but it was not until the 1940s and 1950s that radical prostatectomy became a standard treatment option. During this time, doctors began performing more invasive surgeries to remove the entire prostate gland and surrounding tissues. However, these surgeries often resulted in complications, such as urinary incontinence and impotence.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy was also used in the early days of prostate cancer treatment. In the 1920s, doctors began using radium to treat prostate cancer, and by the 1950s, external beam radiation therapy became a standard treatment option.
Although radiation therapy was less invasive than surgery, it often resulted in similar complications, like urinary incontinence and impotence.
Researchers and medical professionals have recently developed newer and less invasive treatment options for prostate cancer. One of the most significant advances in the history of prostate cancer treatment has been the development of minimally invasive surgery techniques.
Let’s look at some more recent prostate cancer treatment techniques.
Brachytherapy and Proton Therapy
In the 1960s, doctors began to develop a new form of radiation therapy known as brachytherapy. This type of radiation therapy involves implanting small radioactive seeds directly into the prostate gland. This allows for a more targeted and precise dose of radiation, resulting in fewer complications than other radiation treatments.
Brachytherapy can also be used in combination with external beam radiation therapy for a more comprehensive treatment approach.
Proton therapy uses high-energy protons to destroy cancer cells. Proton therapy has fewer side effects than traditional radiation therapy and is often used to treat prostate cancer that has not spread to other parts of the body.
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)
During the 1970s, a novel diagnostic tool named the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test emerged. This test evaluates the levels of a protein produced by the prostate gland found in the bloodstream. Higher-than-normal PSA levels may imply the presence of prostate cancer or other ailments, like an enlarged prostate. By aiding doctors in identifying prostate cancer at an early stage, the PSA test has made it possible to detect and treat cancer more effectively in patients.
Laparoscopic and Robotic-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy
Another breakthrough in the history of prostate cancer treatment came in the 2000s with the introduction of robotic-assisted surgery. This technique uses a robotic arm controlled by a surgeon to perform precise movements during surgery. Robotic surgery offers a higher degree of precision and fewer side effects than traditional surgery.
This minimally invasive technique uses small incisions and specialized instruments to remove the prostate gland when necessary. Laparoscopic surgery has a lower risk of complications and a faster recovery time than traditional surgery.
Immunotherapy
In recent years, immunotherapy has emerged as a new treatment option for prostate cancer. Immunotherapy works by boosting the body’s immune system to help fight cancer cells. Sipuleucel-T is FDA-approved immunotherapy that has been shown to improve survival in men with advanced prostate cancer.
This type of therapy involves using medications that help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. Immunotherapy can be used in combination with other treatments to improve outcomes and reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.
Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy, also called androgen deprivation therapy or ADT, is a common treatment for prostate cancer that has metastasized. ADT works by blocking the production of testosterone, a hormone that fuels the growth of prostate cancer cells. Newer medications, such as abiraterone and enzalutamide, work by blocking the receptors that allow testosterone to enter prostate cancer cells.
New Breakthroughs in Prostate Cancer Treatments
A new treatment approach for prostate cancer could stop cancer cell progression in its tracks. For the first time in the history of prostate cancer treatment, researchers have discovered that prostate cancer can be killed by targeting a single enzyme, called PI5P4Kα. PI5P4Kα was shown to support prostate cancer metabolism during androgen receptor (AR) inhibition and, therefore, could disrupt the progression to castration resistance.
Taking Control of Prostate Cancer
The history of prostate cancer treatment has come a long way since the early days of surgery and radiation therapy. Today, men with prostate cancer have a range of treatment options available, including minimally invasive surgery techniques, brachytherapy, hormone therapy, and immunotherapy.
If you are concerned about your prostate health or have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, it is important to speak with a qualified urologist who can guide you through treatment options.
Contact Urology Specialists of the Carolinas to learn more about how to monitor your prostate health and the latest treatment options available.