Prostate Cancer

1. What is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer develops when abnormal cells grow within the prostate gland, a gland located below the bladder in men.

Some prostate cancers grow slowly and may be monitored, while others can be more aggressive and require active treatment.

2. How Is Prostate Cancer Diagnosed?

Evaluation may include:

• PSA blood test
• Digital rectal examination
• Multiparametric MRI of the prostate
• Prostate biopsy
• Gleason score and Grade Group assessment
• PSMA PET-CT in selected cases
• CT scan or MRI
• Bone scan where appropriate
• General medical assessment

These investigations help determine the cancer's stage, grade and risk category.

3. What Treatment Options Are Available?

Treatment depends on whether the cancer is localised, locally advanced or metastatic.

Options may include:

• Active surveillance for selected low-risk cancers
• Radical prostatectomy
• Robotic-assisted prostatectomy
• Radiation therapy
• Brachytherapy in selected patients
• Hormone therapy / androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT)
• Chemotherapy
• Targeted or other systemic therapies where appropriate
• Treatment for advanced or metastatic disease

A multidisciplinary team helps determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

4. What Does the Treatment Process Involve?

The general treatment pathway includes:

PSA and clinical evaluation → MRI and biopsy → Pathology review → Cancer staging → Risk assessment → Multidisciplinary specialist consultation → Personalised treatment planning → Treatment → Follow-up monitoring

The exact pathway differs significantly according to the stage and risk category.

5. What Surgical Options Are Available?

When surgery is recommended, treatment may include:

• Open radical prostatectomy
• Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy
• Robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy

The prostate and, in selected cases, nearby lymph nodes may be removed.

The appropriate approach depends on the cancer and patient's clinical condition.

6. How Long Does Treatment and Recovery Take?

The duration depends on the chosen treatment.

Typical considerations include:

• Surgery: usually several hours
• Hospital stay after surgery: commonly a few days
• Initial recovery: several weeks
• Radiation therapy: may involve multiple treatment sessions over several weeks, depending on the protocol
• Hormonal and systemic treatment: duration varies according to the disease stage and treatment plan
• Follow-up: long-term PSA monitoring is essential

7. What Are the Expected Benefits and Outcomes?

Depending on the cancer stage and treatment, management may aim to:

• Cure localised prostate cancer
• Control cancer growth
• Reduce the risk of recurrence
• Slow the progression of advanced disease
• Relieve symptoms
• Maintain quality of life

Outcomes depend on cancer stage, grade, PSA level, response to treatment and overall health.

8. What Are the Risks or Side Effects of Treatment?

Potential side effects vary according to treatment and may include:

• Urinary incontinence
• Erectile dysfunction
• Bowel symptoms after radiation therapy
• Fatigue
• Hormonal side effects from ADT
• Infection or bleeding after surgery
• Fertility and ejaculation changes
• Treatment-related complications

The potential benefits and side effects should be discussed carefully before selecting treatment.

9. Why Consider Prostate Cancer Treatment in India?

India has specialised cancer centres offering:

• Experienced uro-oncologists and medical oncologists
• Advanced prostate MRI and PSMA PET-CT imaging
• Robotic and minimally invasive prostate surgery
• Modern radiation therapy, including IMRT and other advanced techniques
• Medical and hormonal therapies
• Multidisciplinary cancer treatment planning
• Comprehensive follow-up support

10. How Can Medavelle Help and What Should the Patient Do Next?

Medavelle can assist with:

Medical-record review → Urology/uro-oncology specialist coordination → Hospital selection → Diagnosis and staging review → Personalised treatment planning → Cost estimation → International patient arrangements.

Next step: Share PSA, biopsy & imaging reports → Specialist evaluation → Cancer staging and risk assessment → Personalised treatment plan → Appropriate treatment → Recovery → Long-term PSA monitoring and follow-up.