- Medical treatment options
- Innovative treatment with bacteria and laser
- How to treat advanced prostate cancer
- Advanced cancer with metastases
- Natural treatment options
Treatment for prostate cancer can be done with medication, radiation therapy or surgery, and is indicated by a proctologist.
Generally, treatment is chosen according to the patient's age, severity of the disease, associated diseases and life expectancy because all treatments can bring complications, such as urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction or infertility, but which, in some cases, can be reversed.
Medical treatment options
Treatment for early prostate cancer can be done in several ways, which include:
- Surgery: most used method that consists of complete removal of the prostate through a cut made in the abdomen under general anesthesia. Usually the patient is hospitalized for 3 days. Learn more about this surgery and recovery; Radiotherapy: application of radiation to certain areas of the prostate, eliminating cancer cells. It is used in cases where surgery is contraindicated or when the patient refuses this type of treatment; Hormonal treatment: medicines or surgery are used to regulate the production of male hormones that promote the development of the disease in patients;
Observation: it is done through regular consultations with the proctologist to assess the evolution of the disease. It is only used only in individuals over 75 years of age, with limited life expectancy and with minor tumors.
Treatment for early prostate cancer has good success rates and a cure can be achieved in many cases.
Innovative treatment with bacteria and laser
In addition to these treatment options, studies are being carried out to make treatment against prostate cancer more effective and less aggressive. One possibility is a medicine made with bacteria found on the ocean floor and that are sensitive to light. In that case the treatment should be carried out with the use of this medication followed by the use of a laser that will completely remove cancer cells from the prostate.
Studies carried out with this treatment protocol have shown excellent results and 40% of the men tested were apparently cured. However, further studies are needed to demonstrate the effectiveness and safety of this method until it can be regulated and used.
How to treat advanced prostate cancer
Treatment for advanced prostate cancer depends on whether the disease is localized or metastasized. In the case of advanced localized prostate cancer, two types of treatment are usually made, which may include hormonal drugs and surgery or radiotherapy and surgery, depending on the severity of the disease.
One of the drugs that can be used when cancer is advanced and does not respond to radiotherapy is Provenge (Sipuleucel-T), which is a type of vaccine that is prepared for each person, individually.
Advanced cancer with metastases
In the case of treatment for prostate cancer with metastasis, the most important thing is to prevent the progression of the disease, and therefore it can be used:
- Surgery to remove both testicles; Ingestion of anti-androgenic drugs.
These treatments lead to a reduction in testosterone levels, which is primarily responsible for the development of the tumor.
Natural treatment options
There is still no natural treatment capable of fighting cancer, however some home remedies can help complement the treatments indicated by the doctor, relieving symptoms, for example. Some of the most used home options include:
- Saw Palmetto; Tomato; Nettle; Pumpkin seeds.
Some of these foods may even help in reducing cancer and prostate size, but they should never replace the treatment that has been prescribed by the doctor.
Here's how to prepare some of these home remedies for the prostate.
