Prostate Cancer Treatment

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Common prostate cancer treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, High Intesity Focused Radiaiton (HIFU), cryosurgery, chemotherapy, watchful waiting (AKA - active surveillance, conservative management, expectant therapy, objectified observation, etc.). The integration of complimentary therapies can be considered in conjunction with any treatment protocol. Clinical trial participation should also be considered

Be sure to visit the following patient recommended / objective websites for good information on many of the treatments listed above.

Prior to choosing a treatment option and/or plan, make sure that you fully understand your diagnosis. If you have had surgery, using the Partin Tables can be helpful in estimating your definitive pathological stage. Many professionals suggest a multi-disciplinary approach to treatment.

Two tools some patients find helpful for treatment decision making are:
MD ANDERSON'S TREATMENT GUIDELINES (9,689KB - PDF) and NEXPROFILER TREATMENT OPTION TOOL FOR PROSTATE CANCER

Coverage for treatments can also be a concern for some patients. Please see RESOURCES FOR MEDICATION ASSISTANCE to research helpful programs.

Make sure you are comfortable and have good relationships with your doctors. The following links can help you locate Urologists and Oncologists close to you.
Find a Urologist
Find an Oncologist

Talking to other men who have been down the road of diagnosis and treatment can be very helpful. If possible, take the time to visit a prostate cancer support group and/or join a Prostate Pointers Mailing List.

RESOURCES FOR MEDICATION ASSISTANCE
For information or to find out if your family is eligible for a patient assistance program, go to www.helpingpatients.org or www.phrma.org. NeedyMeds.com is a comprehensive compilation of information about pharmaceutical companies patient assistance programs, regularly updated directly from the companies. Information on eligibility criterion,how to apply, contact information included. This is absolutely the best single source site out there. OncoLink.com is a cancer-information web site run through the University of Pennsylvania Cancer Center. This site has medical information about the various types of cancer treatments and prevention, as well as a comprehensive listing of companies offering reimbursement programs. RxAssist.org-- A general patient assistance program web site maintained by Volunteers in Healthcare with sponsorship by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. RxAssist offers a database searchable by company and information about who may qualify for the programs and how to apply. In many cases, application forms for the programs can be downloaded from the site. Aidsinfonyc.org -- An informational web site for AIDS/HIV patients and advocates. The site serves as a center for many New York-area AIDS groups, but it also offers information useful to any AIDS/HIV patient. The site also offers information about drug trials and patient assistance programs. Partnership for Perscription Assistance helps qualifying patients who lack prescription coverage get the medicines they need through the public or private program that's right for them.

If you are a Vietnam Veteran with prostate cancer, please refer to this website for possible help and benefits: US Department of Veterans Affairs.

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ALTERNATIVE/COMPLIMENTARY THERAPIES
A significant number of prostate cancer patients use complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) as part of their treatment. Work with your doctor(s) to devise an intergrative plan. Landmark Urology and Complimentary Medicine is a North Carolina practice run by Dr. Mark McClure, a well known intergrative Urologist.

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CLINICAL TRIAL PARTICIPATION:
Scientists are now testing a number of promising therapeutic approaches that are only available to patients enrolled in clinical trials. These therapies include anti-angiogenesis compounds, designed to eliminate tumors by targeting their blood supply; gene therapies, which seek to normalize the genetic function of cancerous cells; immunotherapies, which help activate the body's natural defense mechanisms against prostate cancer; therapies designed to stimulate apoptosis, or programmed cell death; and drugs that target regulatory systems in malignant cells. Visit clinical trials search for current clinical trials in North Carolina and throughout the United States.

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Prostate Cancer Coalition of North Carolina (PCCNC)
5905 Shamrock Road
Research Triangle Park, NC 27713
919.321.0365
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