Clinical trials play an important role in improving cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment. For some patients, taking part may offer access to new therapies that are not yet widely available. Your care team can help determine whether a clinical trial may be an option and explain what participation involves.
What is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men in the United States.
The prostate is a small gland located below the bladder that helps produce fluid for semen. Prostate cancer develops when cells in this gland begin to grow out of control, forming a tumor. Some prostate cancers grow slowly and may never cause significant health problems, while others are more aggressive and can spread to other parts of the body.
At LifeBridge Health, patients have access to comprehensive prostate cancer care from our expert urology team and the cancer specialists at our Alvin & Lois Lapidus Cancer Institute and William E. Kahlert Regional Cancer Center. From screening and diagnosis through advanced treatment and survivorship, our teams work together to provide personalized care.
Prostate Cancer Symptoms
Early-stage prostate cancer often causes no symptoms. As the cancer grows, symptoms may develop and can affect urinary, sexual or overall health.
Symptoms may include:
- Difficulty starting or stopping urination
- Weak or interrupted urine flow
- Frequent need to urinate, especially at night
- Pain or burning during urination
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Erectile dysfunction
- Painful ejaculation
- Pain in the hips, back or chest (in more advanced cases)
How Prostate Cancer is Diagnosed
Evaluation for prostate cancer may begin with routine screening or follow-up after new symptoms. To confirm a diagnosis and guide treatment planning, your care team may recommend:
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test
This blood test measures a protein produced by the prostate. Elevated PSA levels can be associated with prostate cancer, although they may also result from noncancerous prostate conditions.
Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)
During this exam, your provider gently examines the prostate for changes in size, shape or texture.
Imaging Tests
Imaging studies can provide a more detailed view of the prostate and surrounding tissues. These may include:
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
- Ultrasound
If cancer is diagnosed, additional imaging—such as CT scans, PET scans or bone scans—may be used to determine whether it has spread beyond the prostate.
Biopsy
A biopsy is the only way to confirm prostate cancer. During this procedure, small samples of prostate tissue are removed and examined under a microscope.
Prostate Cancer Treatment Options
Treatment for prostate cancer depends on the stage of the cancer, how quickly it is growing and your overall health. Your care team will work with you to choose an approach that aligns with your goals and preferences.
Active Surveillance
Not all prostate cancers require immediate treatment.
For some low-risk, slow-growing cancers, your doctor may recommend careful monitoring with regular PSA testing, imaging and follow-up visits. Treatment can begin if there are signs that the cancer is progressing.
Surgery
Surgery is often recommended for cancer that appears to be confined to the prostate.
Surgical options may include:
- Radical prostatectomy: Removal of the entire prostate gland and some surrounding tissue.
- Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP): A procedure in which a tool is inserted through the urethra to remove prostate tissue. TURP is not used to cure prostate cancer but may help relieve urinary symptoms, especially in patients who are not candidates for more extensive surgery.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to target and destroy cancer cells. Depending on the treatment plan, techniques such as stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) may be used to deliver highly focused radiation over fewer treatment sessions.
Radiopharmaceutical Therapy
Radiopharmaceutical therapy uses radioactive medicines that travel through the bloodstream to target cancer cells. This treatment may be used for certain prostate cancers.
Coming soon at LifeBridge Health.
Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy lowers or blocks testosterone, a hormone that can stimulate the growth of many prostate cancers. It may be used alone or in combination with other treatments.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses medication to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. It is most commonly used for advanced or metastatic prostate cancer, particularly when the disease no longer responds to hormone therapy.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. Certain patients with advanced prostate cancer may benefit from immunotherapy as part of their treatment plan.
Clinical Trials
Supportive Services
When you receive cancer care at LifeBridge Health, you have access to supportive services like counseling, integrative therapies and support groups. These resources are designed to help patients care for their physical and emotional well‑being throughout treatment and beyond.