Prostate cancer, a silent killer, has climbed to the fifth spot among the top ten causes of cancer death, according to the latest statistics from the Ministry of Health and Welfare. With 30% of patients diagnosed with metastasized cancer, the disease often goes unnoticed due to its similarity with benign prostate hypertrophy symptoms, such as frequent urination and difficulty urinating. This oversight can lead to missed opportunities for early treatment, a critical factor in the fight against this deadly disease.
Dr. Yang Mingxin, an attending physician at the Department of Urology at the Tri-Service General Hospital, explains that patients often delay seeking medical attention due to mild symptoms. It’s not until bone pain or othre discomfort arises that high-risk advanced cancer is diagnosed,making treatment more challenging. For patients with metastasized cancer cells, selecting the right treatment and ensuring its effectiveness becomes a pressing concern.
Health Insurance Extends Coverage for High-Risk Metastatic Prostate Cancer
Starting August 1, 2013, health insurance coverage for a new generation of oral hormonal therapy drugs for high-risk metastatic prostate cancer patients was extended from two to three years. This policy change has been a game-changer for many patients, allowing them to continue treatment without the financial burden that often accompanies such therapies.
Dr. Yang Mingxin highlights that in the past,patients had to discontinue treatment after the two-year mark,substantially impacting disease control. Now, with the expanded health insurance policy, patients can apply for a one-year renewal if their condition does not worsen within three months of evaluation by a professional physician. This support not only alleviates the financial strain but also allows for continued treatment, inhibiting tumor progression and extending patients’ lifespans.
A New Generation of Hormone Therapy: Targeting Tumor Cells Directly
Conventional hormonal therapy, which uses injections to inhibit epinephrine or testicular androgens, has limitations when cancer cells progress to the castration-resistant stage. The tumor’s drug resistance weakens treatment effectiveness, often shortening survival to less than four years. Though, the new generation of oral hormone therapy drugs is changing the game.
These drugs target the androgen receptors of tumor cells, fundamentally inhibiting their growth and spread. Large-scale clinical trials have shown that this type of drug can reduce the risk of death by 33% and extend overall survival by more than three years, offering new hope to patients with high-risk metastatic prostate cancer.
Defining High-Risk Metastatic Prostate Cancer: Three Key Indicators
Classifying patients with high-risk metastatic prostate cancer helps physicians tailor precise treatment strategies. Dr. Yang Mingxin outlines three indicators:
- A Gleason index of more than 8 points, indicating poor pathological differentiation of the tumor and high cancer aggressiveness.
- Bone metastasis in three or more places, especially in non-spine or non-pelvic areas, suggesting widespread cancer spread.
- Visceral metastasis, a critical factor in determining the severity and treatment approach.
Understanding these indicators is crucial for early detection and effective treatment of high-risk metastatic prostate cancer, a disease that often goes unnoticed until it’s too late. With advancements in treatment and extended health insurance coverage, patients now have a fighting chance against this silent killer.
When cancer cells infiltrate vital organs like the lungs or liver, it’s a critical sign that the disease has taken a serious turn. In the case of prostate cancer, meeting any two of the three criteria – bone metastasis, high prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, or a Gleason score of 8 or higher – classifies a patient as having high-risk metastatic prostate cancer. This diagnosis necessitates a more aggressive treatment approach to improve survival rates and extend life.
Regular Exercise and Health Management: The Cornerstones of Cancer Prevention
Dr. Yang Mingxin, a leading oncologist, stresses that patients with high-risk metastatic prostate cancer undergoing hormonal therapy may face side effects like fatigue, bone pain, and osteoporosis. To combat these challenges, he recommends daily moderate exercise, such as walking or simple stretching, to maintain physical fitness and mental well-being. A balanced diet and regular sleep patterns are also crucial in the fight against cancer.
Dr. Mingxin underscores that while medication is essential, managing one’s lifestyle is equally vital. By adopting healthy habits, patients can enhance treatment outcomes and stabilize their emotional state. He urges the public to seek medical attention promptly if they experience any suspicious symptoms, emphasizing the importance of early detection and treatment for safeguarding health.
Watch the video below for more insights from Dr. Yang Mingxin on managing high-risk metastatic prostate cancer:
