Jan. 23, 2025
In the dynamic field of cancer treatment, the multidisciplinary approach is increasingly recognized as essential for effective prostate cancer care. By integrating the expertise of oncologists, urologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists and pathologists, a collaborative environment is fostered where each person's cancer is meticulously reviewed. This comprehensive strategy ensures that all facets of the patient's health and cancer are addressed, resulting in personalized treatment plans that optimize outcomes.
"State-of-the-art care and research are made possible in the multidisciplinary environment," says Dan S. Childs, M.D., an oncologist and prostate cancer specialist at Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center in Rochester, Minnesota. "It's these collaborative efforts that allow us to provide advanced options for the most advanced cancers."
Understanding the variability of prostate cancer
Not all prostate cancers are the same, and treatment plans vary widely based on the details of a particular case. Advanced diagnostic tools such as prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET scanning technology can play a crucial role in achieving accurate staging of prostate cancer. This imaging technique allows for more-detailed mapping of the cancer compared with traditional CT and bone scans, enabling appropriate tailoring of treatments.
A comprehensive approach to treatment planning involves considering critical parameters such as age, comorbidities, PSA levels, Gleason score and stage, along with family history and genetics. This holistic perspective ensures that treatment regimens are not only effective but also intricately tailored to the individual health profiles of each patient. By integrating these vital considerations, Dr. Childs and his colleagues in medical oncology offer treatments that maximize efficacy while remaining attuned to the patient's overall well-being.
"The approaches to metastatic and localized prostate cancers are vastly different," says Dr. Childs. "The prognoses vary greatly, and treatment options can range from active surveillance for those with low-risk localized disease to radiopharmaceuticals and experimental therapies for those with advanced and treatment-refractory disease. Starting with the right diagnosis and staging is critical."
In addition to prognostication and staging, a robust portfolio of clinical trials provides patients with early access to pioneering treatments and therapies, further enhancing the precision and effectiveness of interventions.
PSMA-targeted therapy: An advanced option for advanced prostate cancer
Among the advanced treatment options available, radiopharmaceuticals such as PSMA-targeted therapy hone cancer cells with precision, minimizing harm to healthy surrounding tissue. For advanced prostate cancer, lutetium Lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan has been particularly impactful. It has shown improved survival rates and delayed radiographic disease progression compared with standard of care. Mayo Clinic provides more treatment with this drug than any other medical facility in the country.
"PSMA-targeted therapy is one of the most promising treatments available for advanced prostate cancer," says Dr. Childs. "The therapy binds to a protein on the cell called PSMA in order to deliver radioactive particles directly to the cancer. For most patients, it is also very well tolerated."
Additionally, a spectrum of advanced treatments, including robotic surgery, external beam radiotherapy, biomarker-informed approaches and immunotherapy, are considered in comprehensive treatment planning to optimize patient outcomes.
Care advancements help people with prostate cancer live longer
The variability of prostate cancer diagnoses is mirrored in the prognosis. Typically, patients with localized disease undergo active surveillance, surgery or radiation with a favorable prognosis and curative potential. While survival has improved in recent years, metastatic prostate cancer is still usually considered incurable.
"The powerful new treatments we're using today are helping people to live longer," says Dr. Childs. "We are making strides in developing and improving life-extending treatment options for even the most advanced cases of prostate cancer."
The integration of new treatments and robust supportive care services ensures that patients receive high-quality care and the best possible outcomes. By leveraging advanced diagnostic and treatment options, prostate cancer teams can significantly improve patient care and outcomes.
For more information
Refer a patient to Mayo Clinic.