$Unique_ID{BRK01028}
$Pretitle{Genitourinary System}
$Title{Advice on Cancer of the Prostate and Options for Treatment}
$Subject{prostate cancer treatment}
$Volume{J-22}
$Log{
Cancer of the Prostate*0007601.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Advice on Cancer of the Prostate and Options for Treatment


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QUESTION:  Although at first I thought it was a simple back ache, the results
of many examinations and x-rays have lead my doctors to the diagnosis of
cancer of the prostate which has now spread to my bones.  I don't want to give
up hope, and my doctor is offering me several options for treatment including
the removal of my testicles.  I need some counsel and advice, which I hope you
will provide me, please?

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ANSWER:  Your doctor is certainly on the right path, and I will try to provide
a bit of information that may help you with your decision.  Prostate cancer,
unfortunately, is a common disease.  The American Cancer Society estimates
103,000 cases would be diagnosed in 1989.  The symptoms of this cancer are
much like those of the benign disease where the prostate gland simply enlarges
or hypertrophies.  They include:  weak or interrupted flow of urine, inability
to urinate or start urination, blood in the urine, painful urination and pain
in the lower back, pelvis or upper thighs.  Treatment depends upon the stage
of the disease, and when the tumor is limited to the prostate itself, radical
surgical removal of the prostate, the seminal vesicles and part of the bladder
may be the treatment of choice.  Radiation therapy is an alternative.
However, once the cancer has spread beyond the prostate, the goal of the
treatment is to control the disease rather than cure it.  Since the progress
of the disease appears to be related to the presence of male hormones,
surgical castration removing the male glands, or the use of a synthetic female
hormone, diethylstilbestrol (DES) have been recommended to reduce testosterone
(male hormone) levels.  Just recently however, a new treatment has been
approved by the Food and Drug Administration called Zoladex.  Manufactured by
ICI Pharma, it is an injectable hormone that acts on the pituitary/sex gland
system and reduces the production of testosterone to levels that result in a
medical castration.  It is administered by your physician in a single
injection each month, and can result in reduction of tumor size, and
improvement in urological symptoms and bone pain.  It is said to have fewer
side effects than other therapies.  Each treatment costs about $400, but since
it is administered only by physicians, should be reimbursed by most medical
insurance plans.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
