QUEST informs readers of the latest advances in urologic prostate cancer research, especially detection, prevention, and treatment.
Defining a nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy is easy: During the surgical removal of the prostate gland, an attempt is made to spare the two cavernous nerve sheaths (lying slightly underneath and to the sides of the gland) that produce erections. Completing…
This article discusses medical specifications of prostate cancer: clinical stage, PSA reading, DRE findings, number and percentage of cancer in biopsy cores, and Gleason score. It answers the questions: What do I do with these terms of the specification of…
New findings are improving the screening procedures for prostate cancer. This article is based upon a State-of-the-Art Presentation given by Dr. Catalona at the American Urological Association Annual Meeting this May. The genetics revolution will change the way prostate cancer…
Nerve-sparing RRP (radical prostatectomy) can result in preserving potency and continence with a low complication rate. Complications can be reduced with increasing surgeon experience. The June 19 Wall Street Journal contained an article on nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy. Information included six…
This column is the first of a series in which patient and patient advocate Jules Reichel discusses emotions, issues, and facts surrounding the treatment of prostate cancer. Why a patient’s column? This is not a doctor’s column. I am, in…
“The declining mortality rates in the US since the widespread use of PSA testing certainly suggest PSA screening saves lives.” Some material in recent articles suggest that PSA screening finds prostate cancers that are then treated when they don’t need…
“We should be able to cure 90% of prostate cancer with early detection and appropriate treatment recommendations.” The key to good results in treating localized prostate cancer is to make the diagnosis as early as possible. Now, at least 80%…
“How few things can be demonstrated!…Who has proved that tomorrow will dawn, and that we will die? And what is more widely believed?” (Pascal’s Pensees) The value of routine screening for prostate cancer has been a recent topic of several…
Different treatment options allow for more success in early treatment of localized prostate cancer. “Watchful Waiting” The most conservative, least invasive treatment for prostate cancer is so-called “watchful waiting,” which also includes dietary therapy. Watchful waiting is only safe for…
Because a new technology is directing the research activity for the discovery of “smart” drugs or “magic bullets” to fight cancer, we thought it was important to introduce this technology to our readers. Just five years ago, genes were studied…
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