International Prostate Cancer Update Archives

Financial Toxicity of APC Management

Posted by R. Jonathan Henderson, MD | Sep 2024

R. Jonathan Henderson, MD, addresses the economic burden and stress experienced by patients due to high treatment costs in advanced prostate cancer (APC) management. He stresses that this aspect of APC care often goes under-discussed.

In this 9-minute presentation, Dr. Henderson highlights direct costs such as medications, hospital stays, and physician fees, as well as indirect costs including lost income and travel expenses. He emphasizes that these financial strains can lead to treatment non-adherence, delayed care, and worsened clinical outcomes.

Dr. Henderson discusses various strategies and interventions to address these challenges, underscoring the importance of policy changes at the institutional and governmental levels to improve access to affordable care.

Rationale for Involved Site SBRT-Enhanced Intermittent Androgen Deprivation Therapy in Nodal Oligorecurrent Prostate Cancer

Posted by Sean P. Collins MD, PhD | Sep 2024

Sean P. Collins, MD, PhD, discusses stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) combined with intermittent androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in managing nodal oligorecurrent prostate cancer. He emphasizes the evolving landscape of prostate cancer treatment, particularly in patients with limited nodal metastases, where traditional systemic approaches are being re-evaluated in favor of targeted and less toxic strategies.
Dr. Collins explores the clinical evidence supporting SBRT as a precise and effective modality that targets metastatic nodes while sparing surrounding healthy tissues. He underscores that when SBRT is combined with intermittent ADT, it provides a synergistic effect that not only controls localized disease but also allows for periodic withdrawal of ADT, thereby reducing the need for life-long hormone therapy.
Ultimately, Dr. Collins advocates for a paradigm shift toward more personalized and targeted management of nodal oligorecurrent prostate cancer. His insights provide a thoughtful analysis of the potential benefits of integrating SBRT and intermittent ADT.

MRI-Invisible Prostate Cancer and Use of Biomarkers to Identify Potential Candidates

Posted by Priya N. Werahera, PhD | Aug 2024

Priya N. Werahera, PhD, discusses the challenges of MRI-invisible prostate cancer and biomarkers in prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment. His discussion highlights the limitations of current imaging techniques and the approaches being developed to overcome these obstacles.
Dr. Werahera begins by addressing the inherent difficulties in detecting prostate cancer lesions that evade MRI visibility. He emphasizes the role of biomarkers, which can reveal the presence of cancerous changes even when imaging results appear normal, as a complementary tool to imaging techniques.
By combining biomarker analysis with existing imaging techniques, clinicians can achieve a higher diagnostic yield and better tailor treatment strategies to individual patients. Dr. Werahera calls for collaborative efforts to validate and standardize biomarker use, ensuring their reliability and accessibility in routine clinical practice.

AI in Healthcare: The Hype, The Reality, and The Promise

Posted by A. Karim Kader, MD, PhD | Aug 2024

A. Karim Kader, MD, PhD, FRCSC, explores the current state and future potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare. Dr. Kader begins by analyzing AI’s role in transforming current medical practice.
Dr. Kader acknowledges AI’s benefits, including its potential to revolutionize diagnostics, treatment planning, and patient care. When acting as a “scribe,” AI can be invaluable in creating grant proposals, patient education materials, and the writing of operative notes.
Looking ahead, Dr. Kader envisions a future where AI is seamlessly integrated into routine clinical practice, augmenting the capabilities of healthcare professionals and enhancing patient care. He calls for continued investment in AI research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the development of robust frameworks for AI implementation and governance.

Treatment of Oligometastatic Prostate Cancer in the Era of PSMA PET Imaging

Posted by Andrew W. Hahn, MD | Aug 2024

Andrew W. Hahn, MD, explores the treatment of oligometastatic prostate cancer in the context of advancements in PSMA PET imaging. Dr. Hahn examines the integration of systemic therapies with local treatments, discussing the benefits and challenges of combining androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) with newer agents like androgen receptor inhibitors and chemotherapy. The presentation also delves into the evolving role of PSMA-targeted radioligand therapy, outlining promising results from early-phase studies and ongoing research on this treatment modality.
A significant portion of the presentation is dedicated to the practical considerations and challenges associated with implementing PSMA PET imaging and MDT in clinical practice. Dr. Hahn addresses issues related to accessibility, cost, and the need for multidisciplinary collaboration to ensure the best patient outcomes.