Prostate Videos.com

Important Questions for Your Surgeon

Dr. Gerald Chodak — Wed, 16 May 2012 16:03:00 +0000

I think every patient realizes that performing a radical prostatectomy is not an easy job. And yet, many men may be reluctant to ask their doctors some very important questions. Now another study is being reported showing that more experienced surgeons have fewer complications. As a result, before you have your operation, you are entitled to ask the following:
1. How many radical prostatectomies have you performed in the last year?
2. How many of these operations have you performed in your career?
3. What percentage of your patients regain their urinary and sexual function similar to before surgery?
4. What percentage of your patients develop other complications and what are they?

The bottom line is for you to get the best result possible. (May 16, 2012)

What Does “Clinically Proven” Really Mean?

pvadmin — Thu, 10 May 2012 02:30:49 +0000

Advertisements for herbs, vitamins and supplements frequently use the words “Clinically Relevant’. Most people assume that means good scientific studies were done but is that really true? This question is addressed in the accompanying video.

Is Combining Abiraterone and MDV3100 on the horizon?

Dr. Gerald Chodak — Mon, 07 May 2012 22:47:37 +0000

A recent research study http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/72/9/2176.abstract is suggesting that the two latest hormonal agents Abiraterone and MDV3100 may have the best effect if they are combined. Without properly designed studies, we will not know if this is true, but some doctors are likely to start using the combination when MDV3100 becomes available. There is a reason for excitement but we should also be cautious until the studies are done to find out if there are advantages in men.

New Comparison of Prostatectomy Methods

pvadmin — Thu, 03 May 2012 15:16:42 +0000

A new survey of results in the U.S. looked at open vs robotic prostatectomy and found fewer short term complications with the robotic approach. These included a slightly lower risk of blood transfusions and a slightly lower risk of intra-operative complications. There is no new information about long term cancer control, impotence or incontinence rates. There are a number of potential biases, however, so this study does NOT prove robotic surgery is best.

Combining External Radiation and Brachytherapy: More Harm Than Good

Dr. Gerald Chodak — Wed, 02 May 2012 18:38:48 +0000

Combining external radiation and seed implantation is used by many doctors to treat localized prostate cancer. Unfortunately, no study has ever demonstrated this combination was better than either therapy alone. Now a recent study shows the harms of this treatment without improving results. For men with low risk disease, there is no reason to consider this option. Before considering this treatment, you will benefit from watching the accompanying video.

Click here to see the video

Latest Information About Active Surveillance for Localized Disease

Dr. Gerald Chodak — Wed, 02 May 2012 18:19:26 +0000

A recent conference occurred in which the status of active surveillance was reviewed. All men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer should be aware of this information before choosing their therapy because the current consensus is that too many men are receiving unnecessary treatment for this disease. (Reviewed May, 2012)

Click here to see the video

Benefit of Provenge for Progressive Metastatic Prostate Cancer Challenged

Dr. Gerald Chodak — Wed, 02 May 2012 00:48:49 +0000

A recent report questioned whether Provenge is really beneficial for men with progressive, asymmptomatic or minimally symptomatic metastatic disease. This was not based on any new studies, however, and the FDA and other experts have pointed out the flaws in this article as discussed in the video. The bottom line for patients is also reviewed.

Eating and Exercise Recommendations for Cancer Patients

Dr. Gerald Chodak — Tue, 01 May 2012 20:58:03 +0000

A recent report (http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.3322/caac.21142/full) summarizes the latest recommendations for people with cancer in terms of what they should eat and avoid and what kind of exercise they can do to help improve their well being. Not enough men with prostate cancer are following this advice but it is never too late to do things that might improve your health.

Is Proton Therapy Really Worthwhile?

Dr. Gerald Chodak — Tue, 01 May 2012 20:36:23 +0000

A recent commentary was made by the Radiological Society about the value of Proton Therapy for Localized prostate cancer. They cited two recent studies in support of this treatment but neither of them offers very good proof that the treatment works as discussed in this video. The bottom line is that no study has shown Proton Therapy is as good or better than other forms of radiation. In addition, recent results show the side effects are not reduced either. Before considering this option, men should make sure they ask the right questions so they get all the facts.

This video created for Medscape. If you would like to visit the site click on the link below.
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/757832

New Study of High Intensity Focused Ultrasound for Localized Disease

pvadmin — Tue, 01 May 2012 18:56:55 +0000

A large prospective study from Canada was recently reported for men receiving HIFU. The follow-up has been short and the results and status of this treatment are discussed in the accompanying video.