3272F Intermediate risk of recurrence, prostate cancer (PRCA)

Name of the Procedure:

Intermediate Risk of Recurrence, Prostate Cancer (PRCA)

• Common names: Prostate Cancer Treatment, Intermediate Risk Management
• Medical terms: Radiation Therapy, Radical Prostatectomy, Hormone Therapy

Summary

This procedure involves treatment options for prostate cancer with an intermediate risk of recurrence. These options include surgery, radiation therapy, and possibly hormone therapy to manage and reduce the risk of the cancer returning.

Purpose

• Medical condition: Prostate Cancer with Intermediate Risk of Recurrence (a moderate chance of cancer coming back).
• Goals: To eradicate cancer cells, prevent cancer recurrence, and maintain urinary and sexual function as much as possible.

Indications

• Symptoms: Abnormal digital rectal exam (DRE), elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels.
• Patient criteria: Gleason score of 7, PSA level between 10-20 ng/mL, cancer stage T2b/c.

Preparation

• Pre-procedure: Stop certain medications as advised, possibly fast before surgery.
• Diagnostic tests: Blood tests, imaging studies (MRI/CT), biopsy results, PSA levels, bone scan.

Procedure Description

• Radiation Therapy: External beam radiation or brachytherapy to target prostate cancer cells.
• Radical Prostatectomy: Surgical removal of the prostate gland, possibly using robotic-assisted technology.
• Hormone Therapy: Medications to lower testosterone levels to slow cancer growth.

Anesthesia will be administered for surgical procedures. Radiation and hormone therapies usually do not require anesthesia.

Duration

• Radiation Therapy: Multiple sessions over several weeks.
• Radical Prostatectomy: A few hours.
• Hormone Therapy: Ongoing, depending on response.

Setting

• Hospital or specialized cancer treatment center for surgery.
• Outpatient clinic or hospital for radiation therapy.
• Doctor’s office or clinic for hormone therapy.

Personnel

• Surgeons and surgical team for prostatectomy.
• Radiation oncologists, radiation therapists for radiation therapy.
• Urologists, oncologists, and nurses.

Risks and Complications

• Common: Urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, bowel issues.
• Rare: Infection, blood clots, heart problems, secondary cancers from radiation.

Benefits

• Effective in controlling and potentially eradicating prostate cancer.
• Reduces the chance of cancer recurrence.
• Benefits can be realized within weeks to months, depending on the treatment modality.

Recovery

• Post-procedure care: Follow specific care instructions, attend follow-up appointments.
• Expected recovery: Weeks to months, with gradual return to normal activities. Avoid heavy lifting post-surgery.

Alternatives

• Active Surveillance: Regular monitoring without immediate treatment.
• Chemotherapy: Usually for advanced cases.
• Pros and cons: Active surveillance avoids immediate side effects but risks cancer progression. Chemotherapy has its own side-effect profile and is typically more suitable for advanced cancer.

Patient Experience

• During Procedure: Anesthesia for surgery, local discomfort for radiation.
• Post-procedure: Manageable pain, possible side effects like urinary issues, bowel discomfort, or hormonal changes. Pain management strategies will be provided. Comfort measures include taking medications as prescribed and following self-care guidelines.