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Page 1: Your Guide to a Better Life Through Diagnosis & Treatmentdoc.mediaplanet.com/all_projects/2543.pdf · September 2008 Your Guide to a Better Life Through Diagnosis & Treatment In Association

September 2008 Your Guide to a Better Life Through Diagnosis & Treatment

In Association with...

Page 6Life as a Participant

Page 4Innovative Treatments

Page 3The PSA Test

Page 7Alternative Health

Page 2: Your Guide to a Better Life Through Diagnosis & Treatmentdoc.mediaplanet.com/all_projects/2543.pdf · September 2008 Your Guide to a Better Life Through Diagnosis & Treatment In Association

Forward

Introduction

As a prostate cancer oncologist and scientist for more than 20 years, I believe that there has been no more promising era for cancer research and treatment than today--particularly for pros-tate cancer.The progress is measurable. First, fewer men are dying from pros-tate cancer than ever before. In 1995, the American Cancer Soci-ety projected 40,000 U.S. deaths from prostate cancer in 2007. Actually, slightly more than 28,000 died last year. While that is still too many, it represents a 30 percent decline in the projected death rate. Prostate cancer has expanded from a neglected specialty to one of the most vibrant areas of biomedical research: U.S. federal funding for prostate cancer research has increased to $550

from $27 million; the number of dedicated research labs has grown from just three to more than 200; 18 nations now have prostate cancer research centers, up from three; and, once non-existent tissue banks now contain more than 20,000 samples for critical scientific experiments. Scientific discovery and our understanding of this disease have accelerated markedly. Today there are more than 20 targeted therapies in development and more than 60 new clinical trials each year in the U.S. Innovative new diagnostics and treatments are on the horizon.

While we may have turned an important corner in the battle against this disease, there is much that still needs to be accom-plished and more challenges to be overcome.

The aging of the baby boomers is projected to increase the number of new cases diagnosed annually in the U.S. by more than 60 percent to more than 300,000 in 2015. It is projected that by then three million American men will be battling prostate cancer—an increase of 50 percent. Yet, U.S. federal funding for advanced cancer research, in real dollars, is declining for the first time in 15 years. Throttling back on the flow of research dollars now will adversely affect the return on our investments to date and put scientific progress at risk.

Another irony is that while pros-tate cancer strikes one out of every six American men (one out of three with a family history) and is the second most prevalent form of cancer after melanoma, it is perhaps the least discussed cancer. If men don’t like asking for driving directions, they certainly don’t like talking about diseases in their pelvises, particularly if it means possible side effects such as incon-tinency or impotency.

Early detection and treatment remains the best weapon against prostate cancer providing a five year survival rate of more than 95 percent. Expanded and improved treatment options truly lessen potential side effects that once terrified men a decade ago. Women have long been expected to monitor their gynecological health with annual screenings. Now it’s time for all men to take control of the prostate health and speak with their physicians about annual PSA testing and physical screenings.

National Prostate Cancer Aware-ness Month provides an opportu-nity to elevate the discussion of saving every man from death due to prostate cancer. From whatever perspective we can speak-patient, survivor, family member, physician, researcher, donor or elected official—it’s time to step up the fight. It’s time to make pros-tate cancer something to talk about and end the claim it has on our lives.

Jonathan Simons, MDPresident and CEOProstate Cancer Foundation

CONTENTSForward...................................Page 2The PSA Test..........................Page 3Innovative Treatments.......Page 4Accuray....................................Page 5Life as a Participant.............Page 6Alternative Health...............Page 7Awareness Month...............Page 8

PROSTATE CANCER A TITLE FROM MEDIA PLANET

Publisher: Anthony Chiaravallo+1 646 922 [email protected]

Print: Washington PostPhotos: Jupiter ImagesEditor: Jon AlisterDesign: Tony Chiaravallo

Mediaplanet is the leading publisher in providing high quality and in-depth analysis on topical industry and market issues, in print, online and broadcast. For more information please contact [email protected]

About this section: This special advertising section was written by Mediaplanet in conjunction with the advertising dept. of The Washington Post and did not involve the news or editorial dept. of this newspaper.

www.mediaplanet.com

Over the past several months I have had the unique opportunity and pleasure of speaking with countless doctors, researchers and advocates for prostate cancer whom all have provided me with a piece of the puzzle when it comes to preventing and surviving this disease. With this report I have brought together the leading minds and latest research available to provide you with the most complete picture possible for prostate cancer care. Frequently a taboo subject amongst men, I have found that the more you know, the more you can become empowered to make sound decisions with regards to the health of your prostate. This report will act as your guide and encourage you to become aware of the facts and methods available to ensure that you take all the steps necessary to escape becoming a victim of this disease.

by Anthony Chiaravallo Head Publisher

September 2008 Your Guide to a Better Life Through Diagnosis & Treatment

In Association with...

Page 6Life as a Participant

Page 4Innovative Treatments

Page 3The PSA Test

Page 7Alternative Health

An Advertising Supplement to The Washington Post

PROSTATE CANCER

Page 3: Your Guide to a Better Life Through Diagnosis & Treatmentdoc.mediaplanet.com/all_projects/2543.pdf · September 2008 Your Guide to a Better Life Through Diagnosis & Treatment In Association

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The headlines have been checkered over the past few years with conflicting information about the PSA blood test – a test used to screen men for prostate cancer. This becomes quite confusing for the general public and the average person. In a hectic world, trying to catch research and science from a news report or headline can be challenging at best. Personal questions might include - Should I get a PSA blood test? At what age should I start? How often? What does my personal PSA really mean? The public is in need of quality information that can help them make a quality decision. The public is in need of some clear communication that does not overstate what we know, or understate what we know.

We know that early detection is the key for virtually every disease known to man. Simply put, is there any disease, or any other cancer for which early detection is not the key? Early detection is the key, also, for forest fires, mold in your home, and bugs in your garden. All this being said, this is a sound, foundational scientific principle. Therefore, the early detection principle should be applied to prostate cancer screening until proven otherwise. I submit that the challenge for medicine is not to prove that early detection applies. The challenge is to prove early detection does not apply. This has not been proven. I personally believe it never will be proven since it applies to virtually every other cancer, disease, and scientific situation known to man.

We also know that PSA testing provides early detection in prostate cancer. Therefore, we should be encouraging, providing, and teaching PSA testing. The principle of early detection is a foundational, even evidence-based principle, and should be applied to prostate cancer screening until science proves that it does not apply.

Another foundational principle to consider when making scientific arguments for or against PSA screening, is that science is never perfect. It never was, and never will be. In fact, perfection is not the goal. This means there will always be some amount of error. Therefore, we should be making every effort to err on the side of caution for the individual. Recommending against PSA screening does not err on the side of caution. It errs on the side of hazard for the individual. To me, this is neither scientific, nor humane.

Instead of abandoning the PSA, let’s strive to understand the PSA and use it to the best of our ability. Honestly, there is no other cancer that has a marker as sensitive, or as specific as prostate cancer does. Not lung cancer, not colon cancer, not breast cancer, etc.

This leaves us with the question, then why do some organizations or scientists argue against screening for prostate cancer with PSA testing? I believe the answer is complicated, but I believe it defies these 2 foundational scientific principles – early detection, and erring on the side of caution. If the reason that PSA screening is not recommended, is that some of the treatments leave men with poor side effects, then let’s point science and research toward improving the problems with side effects. Let’s not make a conclusion about cancer screening based on side effects from the cancer treatment.If the reason that PSA screening is not recommended, is because we are unsure about scientific proof of survival benefit, then let’s defer to the foundational principle that science has proven – early detection - until proven otherwise. If the reason that PSA screening is not recommended, is because the PSA is confusing, then let’s point the research and science toward understanding the PSA better, not discard it in the mean time. Let’s remind ourselves that it is the pattern or behavior of the PSA that tells us more than just one static number. This has been studied for over 10 years, in the form of "PSA doubling time" and "PSA velocity". Let’s also remind ourselves that the PSA was never intended to diagnose prostate cancer – only to help make the decision to biopsy, which is where the diagnosis comes from. If the reason that PSA screening is not recommended, is that an elevated PSA can lead to a negative biopsy, then let’s remind ourselves that the biopsies themselves could be more accurate, and are not 100% precise. The grey scale ultrasound used to guide the biopsy is very insensitive at actually seeing prostate cancer. This is why you sometimes see the terms "random biopsy", or "blind biopsy". Let’s point the science and research toward better imaging for prostate biopsy, making the procedure more likely to find the cancer. At the very least, let’s give information that does not overstate, or understate what we know, and give the man and his family the chance to make a quality, informed personal decision. All this being said, I do not believe the question on the table is, "Why should we use PSA to screen for prostate cancer?" I believe the more appropriate question to ponder is, "Why not?"

By Jan Manarite, PCRITo Test, or Not to Test - Is It Really a Question?The PSA:

Prostate cancer can be devastating to a man, both physically and emotionally. But at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), a powerful combination of tools is used to help patients fight prostate cancer on all fronts. CTCA offers the most advanced radiation therapies, including Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), High Dose Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy, and TomoTherapy®, as well as surgery, chemotherapy and other radiation options. Cancer Treatment Centers of America enriches prostate cancer treatment by offering complementary therapies such as naturopathic medicine, nutrition, mind-body medicine and spiritual support. Encompassing a broad range of healing philosophies, CTCA ensures that the whole-person needs of a prostate cancer patient are met.

PROSTATE CANCER

Page 4: Your Guide to a Better Life Through Diagnosis & Treatmentdoc.mediaplanet.com/all_projects/2543.pdf · September 2008 Your Guide to a Better Life Through Diagnosis & Treatment In Association

Targeted Cryotherapy is a minimally invasive cancer treatment that offers appro-priate patients a novel method for treating prostate cancer while preserving sexual potency in the majority of men.First introduced as an alternative to surgery and radiation over 10 years ago, prostate Cryotherapy has grown steadily in popularity among doctors and patients. Trained physicians use advanced imaging and sophisticated targeting software to insert slender probes through the skin to freeze the cancer. Ultra-sound images help assure precise probe placement while thermal safeguards protect adjacent healthy tissue. Patients typically experience very little pain and most recover very quickly.

As knowledge about prostate cancer has advanced, so has Cryotherapy. Today, Urologists at leading institutions like the University of Colorado and MD Ander-son Cancer Center have developed a novel Cryotherapy procedure designed to target and destroy only the known cancer while minimizing side effects like impotence and incontinence.

Under this new procedure, men undergo an extensive biopsy to identify the amount of cancer and its location within the prostate. Patients with limited cancer, or cancer on just one side of the prostate, may be eligible for a partial or targeted freeze of the prostate. In some cases only a single tumor is frozen. In other cases, one side of the prostate is frozen while the nerve bundle and healthy tissue on the opposite side are spared.

Patients with higher risk prostate cancer are typically not appropriate for a partial freeze. Instead, higher risk patients are urged to have conventional therapies. Conventional therapies include surgical removal, radiation (external beam and/or seed implants), and whole gland-freezing (Cryotherapy). All these treatments carry various degrees of risk to the bladder, bowel or sexual function.

Patients with very low risk prostate cancer may decide instead to postpone treatment and monitor their cancer by regular PSA tests (watchful waiting). Some men make additional dietary and lifestyle changes to help stabilize PSA (conservative management). Either choice requires vigilance, since the tumor might spread.

For low risk prostate cancer patients, a partial-freeze or targeted Cryotherapy treatment may provide a good middle ground option between total gland thera-pies and treatment delay. Two lines of reasoning support this:

1) Until recently, it was thought that prostate cancer develops throughout the gland. However, upon examination of surgically removed prostates, pathologists found tumors that apparently involve only a single location on one side, similar to many breast cancers. Customized freezing techniques allow an aggressive focal treatment to the cancerous side of the gland while sparing the nerve bundle on the opposite side.

2) Lethal ice is effective. Extreme cold (-40° Celsius) destroys cancer cells as well as their blood supply. Cryotherapy is FDA-cleared and Medicare-approved for prostate tumors.

Published research supports the safety, effectiveness and potency-sparing nature of a focal freeze. Statistics point to potential 95% cancer control, 80% potency, and 100% urinary continence.

Novel Cryotherapy Treatment May Preserve Potency:

Revolutionary Prostate Cancer Therapy Customized Prostate Cancer Treatment

To learn more about all of the advancements in Cryotherapy or to identify a list of physicians who perform Cryotherapy, please visit us at www.prostatecancer.com

A new form of prostate cancer treatment is finding its way into the medical journals and oncologists offices internationally and may very well be the most advanced treatment option for pros-tate cancer patients with less aggressive forms of the disease.This groundbreaking treatment is known as Robotic Radiosur-gery, made available by Accurays' CyberKnife Robotic Radiosur-gery System. The CyberKnife System utilizes 3-D mapping and computer controlled robotics to treat prostate cancer with sub-millimeter accuracy. Compared to traditional forms of radiation therapy, CyberKnife is able to provide more accurate doses of radiation while reducing treatment duration, in most cases, by 89% (from 45 treatments in 9 weeks to only 5 treatments in one week).As if the substantial reduction of treatment duration wasn’t enough to draw the attention of thousands of patients so far, CyberKnifes' accuracy is also responsible for greatly reducing the likelihood of damaging surrounding healthy tissue and critical structures—such as the neurovascular bundles responsible for erectile function. That could mean the odds of side effects such as incontinence or erectile dysfunction are greatly reduced. According to Alan J. Katz, M.D. Director of Radiation Oncology at Winthrop University Hospital in Mineola, NY “our research has shown dramatic PSA reductions and less than 1% of our 418 patients had serious side effects at up to 2 1/2 year follow-up.” Dr. Katz went on to say, “studies have repeatedly shown that pros-tate cancer is different from other kinds of cancers and responds more favorably to fewer, high-doses of radiotherapy.” In order for traditional radiotherapy treatments to minimize damage to surrounding tissues the doses are given in less intense dosages over a longer period of time, however according to Dr. Katz, “the accuracy of the CyberKnife System allows us to administer more intense bursts of radiotherapy which reduces the length of treat-ment. By reducing the length of treatment we’re also reducing the exposure of radiation to the patients, which ultimately results in our patients returning to their regular lifestyle much more quickly.”One such patient, Ron Spears, was treated for prostate cancer with the CyberKnife system in 2006. According to Ron, “doctors were able to successfully treat my prostate cancer in five easy, one-hour sessions. More importantly, I wasn’t sidelined with a long recovery or painful complications. In fact, after each treat-ment, I’d go out for coffee and then head to the golf course to play 18 holes.”The Winthrop University Hospital has been utilizing CyberKnife treatment for the past two and a half years so long term statistics are not yet available. However, according to Michael Santoro, M.D., attending urologist at Winthrop University Hospital’s CyberKnife Radiosurgery Center, “so far our track record for patients experiencing any recurrences or side effects is excellent.”

By Jon Alister

1 Ellis D, et al Urology 2007:70 (suppl 6A):9-152 Djavan B, Susani M et al Tech Urol 1999;5:139-1423 Bahn D, Silverman P et al J Endourology 20;9 (Sep 2006)688-692; Onik G, Vaughan D et al Urology 70:6, Suppl 1 (Dec 2007) S16-S21

Targets Just the Cancer While Sparing the Remaining Healthy Tissue

PROSTATE CANCER

Page 5: Your Guide to a Better Life Through Diagnosis & Treatmentdoc.mediaplanet.com/all_projects/2543.pdf · September 2008 Your Guide to a Better Life Through Diagnosis & Treatment In Association

MichaelCyberKnife® Patient

Treated December 2004

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The CyberKnife® Robotic Radiosurgery System is a non-invasive alternative to surgery for the treatment of tumors anywhere in the body. The treatment – which delivers high doses of radiation to tumors with extreme accuracy – offers new hope to patients who have inoperable or surgically complex tumors, or who may be looking for a non-surgical option.

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Page 6: Your Guide to a Better Life Through Diagnosis & Treatmentdoc.mediaplanet.com/all_projects/2543.pdf · September 2008 Your Guide to a Better Life Through Diagnosis & Treatment In Association

In the last several years, minimally invasive treatment options for prostate cancer, such as cryotherapy, have been examined more closely to determine what benefits they may offer over traditional treatment options, such as prostatectomy and radiotherapy. The goal of minimally invasive options is to reduce the impact of the treatment on the patient, resulting in quicker recovery and fewer side effects, while maintaining the effectiveness of standard treatments.

NON-INVASIVE PROCEDURE BEING TESTED

Researchers in the United States now are testing a non-invasive, high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) procedure for the treatment of prostate cancer. Previous studies of this form of HIFU treatment (known as Ablatherm® Integrated Imaging) conducted among men with low-risk cancer in Europe have shown negative biopsy rates ranging from 821 to 932 percent. Approximately 13,000 men have been treated to-date with HIFU worldwide. HIFU is not approved for treatment by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The goal is for this ongoing study to provide the necessary data for submission to the FDA for approval of the HIFU technology for treatment of men with localized prostate cancer in the United States.

“Upon diagnosis of localized prostate cancer, it’s important to start treating it early. When diagnosed at an early stage, the cancer control rate can approach 90 percent. While many treatment options are available, including prostatectomy and radiotherapy, patients often prefer the convenience of procedures that are less invasive than surgery, for instance. Cryotherapy and high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) are two of these less-invasive procedures,” said Dr. Cary Robertson, Principal Investigator on the study at Duke University Medical Center.

NEW RESEARCH UNDER WAY, PARTICIPANTS NEEDED

A HIFU study is now in progress to compare the safety and effectiveness of cryotherapy with the HIFU procedure. This study, occurring at 24 clinics throughout the United States, is enrolling male participants who are 60 years of age or older and have been diagnosed with localized prostate cancer. To be eligible, men must have been diagnosed with prostate cancer that is organ-confined and limited to stage T1a, b, or c, or T2a. The purpose of the study is to determine if this procedure is as safe and effective as cryotherapy (freeze therapy), a standard-of-care, minimally invasive treatment option for prostate cancer.

Treatment with this device involves spinal or general anesthesia. An endorectal probe that uses ultrasound to image the prostate and determine where to treat is inserted into the rectum. No incision is required. The probe then delivers HIFU energy throughout the entire prostate until it has been completely treated. The prostate is treated while still in the body and is not surgically removed.

The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and takes approximately an hour and a half to three hours. Patients generally are mobile and can return home the same day and can return to a normal routine within a few days of having the procedure.

The study consists of a 12-month enrollment period and a 24-month follow-up period.

If you or someone you know is interested in additional information about this study, call toll-free 1-800-288-0031 or log onto www.PCaResearch.com. 1Chaussy et al Curr Urol Rep. 2003;4(3):248-52. 2Blana et al Urology. 2004;63(2):297-300.

www.PCaResearch.com

PROSTATE CANCER TREATMENT: INVASIVE TO NON-INVASIVE

Life As a Participant in The Cancer Process By Paul F. Schellhammer, M.D

For patients with prostate cancer, is waging war against the disease the best strategy for patients, or might learning to live well with the process provide better quantity and quality of life? While our nation thinks of itself as one with peaceful purpose and intent, we actually have been and are involved in many conflicts. This war mentality naturally insinuates itself into our civilian lives in so we speak of wars and sports and business, and carry the war metaphor to medicine and especially into the realm of cancer treatment. Recall that President Nixon, when signing the national Cancer act in 1971, announced a declaration of war against cancer. This war analogy for the majority of men with prostate cancer can be debilitating. It requires a battle-field mentality which necessitates hyper vigilance and hyperactivity which is energy depleting. War identifies survivors and non-survivors.

To constantly strive for survival displaces other activities and can drain the enjoyment of daily living. In the year 2000 I changed my role of a physician specializing in the treatment of prostate cancer and became a patient carrying this diagnosis of prostate cancer. I have experienced a number of avenues of treatment which include surgery, external beam radiation, androgen deprivation, secondary hormonal therapy and a clinical trial. I have come to consider myself as a participant in the process of disease and treatment rather than a combatant.

Certainly there are some cancers that, because of their virulence, merit the war analogy. For instance Lance Armstrong, who was diagnosed with a life-threatening testicular cancer at a young age, has become highly visible as a leader of an army to fight cancer. However, Randy Pausch after being diagnosed with an aggressive pancreatic cancer, delivered his last lecture at Carnegie Mellon Univer-sity, and the book that followed, was much more participa-tory than combative as he shared his inspiring story to millions of readers. I agree with the concept that patients do best not when they constantly battle against their disease but when they learn to dance with it.

I will use another life experience to illustrate that this advice does not come naturally or might not seem emotion-ally appropriate. Approximately 2 years prior to the diagno-sis of prostate cancer, I experienced crushing chest pain. A 911 call and a prompt angioplasty and stent corrected complete obstruction of the left anterior descending coronary artery – the so-called widow maker. I was indeed fortunate to survive. When I compare the visceral response and emotions associated with the diagnosis of this highly lethal cardiac event and coronary artery disease and prostate cancer, I was struck by the inconsistency. After my coronary occlusion, my mindset was one of establishing a program of under-standing and cooperation with my heart. Through diet modifications, exercise and other strategies I was committed to a partnership for mutual recovery. Implementing this lifestyle change was both satisfying and comforting. Paren-thetically it is worth noting that a heart healthy diet and lifestyle is a primary recommendation in the treatment of prostate cancer as well as heart disease. My reactions generated by a prostate cancer diagnosis were totally different. A sense of betrayal and hostility toward the betraying organ was overpowering and was followed by a committed investment to destroy it by whatever means. Initially my mindset combative and war-like. This despite the fact that by all odds, and I, as a student of the disease, was well aware of the odds that prostate cancer, even if not cured, would take many years to lead to disability and death. The fields of psycho-neuro-immunology and other mind/body interaction disciplines are now receiving much more attention. They have demon-strated a robust relationship between mental attitude and physical recovery. Prayer and meditation tend to relax the body, offset stress, and exert many positive influences. Responses to therapy may be dependant not only on the application of traditional allopathic medicine, but also to the patient’s state of mind during its delivery. The astute 19th century diagnostician from Johns Hopkins Hospital,

Sir William Osler, recognized this interaction when he stated “it is equally important to know about the patient who has the disease, than about the disease the patient has”. What is the patient’s level of anxiety and apprehension and can I, the physician, understand, empathize and allay those emotions.

Through personal experience, I have greater appre-ciation for two other important principles. First, one cannot place oneself in another’s shoes when walking a decision pathway since each individual possesses and acts on information based on certain genetic predispositions and environmental conditioning. Second, in situations like the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer, a physician can be very positive in his pronouncements when faced with hypothetical scenarios only to be a lot less certain when confronted personally with the reality of the diagno-sis. To use a military analogy, there is a huge difference between boot camp and the battlefield, or sporting analogy, between the practice and playing field. Therefore the frequent advice line, “if it were I”, must be tempered by these considerations.

Prostate cancer, even if not cured, can be effectively controlled for many years and even decades. It is part of the attrition of life associated with aging and, as such, patients will benefit from participating and partnering in the process and learning to live well with cancer. A physician, who on being informed of a cancer recurrence, became understandably depressed. On returning to her home and her garden she was able to express the following thought which I find meaningful and comforting: Cancer has not made my life uncertain, it has only exposed me to the uncertainties of life. By putting aside my apprehen-sions and concerns about tomorrow, I have come to appre-ciate what I now have and, in a way never before possible, I have found today.

PROSTATE CANCER

Page 7: Your Guide to a Better Life Through Diagnosis & Treatmentdoc.mediaplanet.com/all_projects/2543.pdf · September 2008 Your Guide to a Better Life Through Diagnosis & Treatment In Association

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Six Alternative Points to Combat Prostate Cancer

By Broughan Gorey - CEO Concierge MedTravel

By Dr. Geovanni Espinosa Columbia University

Prostate cancer (CaP) is a leading cancer among men. If you are reading this section, you are probably already familiar with the statistics. What you probably don’ t know is that using some alternative/holistic methods can increase the chances of better recovery among CaP sufferers. First, some simple definitions:Alternative medicine: A type of therapy approach that replaces conventional medicine.Integrative medicine: the practice of combining alternative and conventional therapies.Complementary medicine: No definite definition. Sometimes used interchangeably with integrative medicine. More recent viewpoint is the use of approaches which are complementary to the system's own innate healing processes.Holistic medicine: Emphasizes the whole person – all aspects of a person’ s health: physical, psychological, emotional, etc.Before continuing with this outline, let me first give you my conclusion. All prostate cancer patients should use alternative cancer therapies, regardless of the stage of the CaP or if other conventional treatments have been or is being used (integration.) An integrative approach can reduce the side effects of conventional treatment, improve the results, and possibly allow the patient to be able to discontinue the conventional treatments.

There are 6 main goals of the CaP patient who is interested in using alternative methods: anti-oxidant intake, keep inflammation at low levels, detoxification, limit exposure to cancer-causing environmental toxins, keep immune cells strong.6 alternatives points for CaP1. Antioxidant intake – Antioxidants are substances that prevent damage to cells caused by free radicals. Free radicals are cells that have lost an electron, thus are unstable cells. These free radicals basically steal electrons from other cells in effort to heal themselves, ultimately creating new free radicals in the process. By stealing electrons, it can cause damage to DNA, leading to the possible development of cancer. By following a plant based diet, consuming 3 to 6 servings of lightly steamed or raw fruits and vegetables. The vegetables and fruits more likely to be beneficial are the greens and all berries. In addition, supplementa-tion of Conenzyme Q10, Lipoic acid, vitamin E and C and all be helpful and all should be taken for synergis-tic value.2. Inflammation has been shown to contribute to cancer and heart disease. Foods that contribute to inflammation include: non organic, grass-fed meats, hydrogenated oils (fried foods, some baking goods, most junk foods), simple sugars and sometimes dairy and wheat. Herbal and nutritional supplements that can help minimize inflammation include; quercetin, omega 3 fatty acids ( fish oils), curcumin from the spice tumeric and boswellia.3. Detoxification – deep in our tissues we store toxins that can interfere with our ability to heal. Old and new toxins should be let out from our bodies in a balanced way without inducing any damage. Removing toxins from our bodies can be accomplished by optimal nourishment, proper sweating from saunas , two to three bowel movements a day or colon hydrotherapy (colonic), mild exercise and herbs that assist in liver health: milk thistle, artichoke leaf and dandelion root. It is beyond the scope of this article to go over all the details of detoxification in this article. A naturopathic physician should be sought out for proper guidance in detoxifying.

4. Limit exposure to environmental toxins that contribute to CaP. • consuming or working with foods contaminated with pesticides• cadmium – highest level found in cigarette smokers and some occupational exposures like welders, metal workers, or those who make cadmium products such as batteries or plastics. • Meat consumption seems to contribute to CaP, although the use of organic, grass-fed meats has never been looked at. • Bisphosphenal A an “environmental estrogen”, bisphenol A found in polycarbonate plastic and dental sealants to which the general population is exposed at low levels

It may be useful to go to a physician that can do a heavy metal test on you to see where you r cadmium (and mercury) levels are.

5. Your immune system, particularly your T-cells, is responsible for ridding your body of anything that does not look like you, including cancer cells. A healthy immune system is essential in any cancer treatment – some conventional cancer therapies like chemotherapy, severely weakens the immune system. One way of keeping your immune cells strong is by limiting the excess release of cortisol by managing stress. Cortisol is an important hormone useful when we need to react to a stressor like a bear chasing after us, however, this chemical that weakens immune cells when overly produced. A plant based diet consisting of mostly whole grains, fruits, nuts and vegetables contain essential immune boosting nutrients. Some supplements include: vitamin c, zinc, an extract from some mushrooms - Active Hexose Correlated Compound (AHCC), inosital hexophosphate with inosital (IP6), and the herb astragalus. Other lifestyle factors equally important in sustaining a healthy immune system include deep sleep, deep breathing and daily exercise. Plant based diet filled with green lightly steamed and raw vegetables.6. Some natural chemicals have shown to inhibit cancer cells, induce cell death (apoptosis) or inhibit metastasis include: curcumin from the spice tumeric, vitamin D, maitaike mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum) and Modified Citrus Pectin (MCP).Many patients have expressed to me that their diagnosis of prostate cancer has been a blessing - their attitudes towards themselves and others have improved. “I don’t worry about the little things any more,” they would admit. Such attitude is the beginning of a holistic therapeutic approach. Can one skip one or two points and still accomplish favorable results? Can I sleep right, take my supplements and not manage stress effectively and still have 3 glasses of whiskey a night? Although, this holistic approach has not been thoroughly studied in the research world, my experience tells me no. Trust me, you do not have to live like a monk and eat “bird food” all day but what I am proposing is balance. Once the body is balanced, cancer cells have a hard time surviving.

“What you probably don’t know is that using some alternative/holistic methods can increase the chances

of better recovery among prostate cancer sufferers.”

PROSTATE CANCER

Page 8: Your Guide to a Better Life Through Diagnosis & Treatmentdoc.mediaplanet.com/all_projects/2543.pdf · September 2008 Your Guide to a Better Life Through Diagnosis & Treatment In Association

Zero prostate cancer deaths. Zero prostate cancer cases and for those with prostate cancer it means a zero PSA. Our name conveys what we stand for – zero tolerance for prostate cancer.As ZERO, we commit ourselves not only to reduce prostate cancer or alleviate the pain from the disease but to end it. We see a future where all men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer will be cured or manage their illness with good quality of life, with the support they need to minimize physical and emotional suffering and to cope effectively throughout their cancer journeys.ZERO provides comprehensive treatment information to patients and education to those at risk through its Web site, ZeroCancer.org. ZERO’s Drive Against Prostate Cancer travels from coast to coast to conduct free prostate cancer screenings. Since its inception, the Drive has screened nearly 87,000 men. ZERO’s public policy department works to increase the nation’s investment in new research strategies, accelerate the approval of new cancer treatments, assure access to the best treatment avail-able and expand programs to increase prostate cancer education and promote early detection.On Sept. 28, ZERO will hold its inaugural Dash for Dad/Depend 10K in Alexandria, Va. All race proceeds will go to prostate research and free screenings in the D.C. area to those at risk. To learn more, visit DashforDad.org.To learn more about prostate cancer and ZERO’s efforts to end the disease, visit ZeroCancer.org.

There is currently great interest in approaches to prevent prostate cancer, including changes in diet, lifestyle and/or the use of simple, readily available and well tolerated agents. Chemoprevention stud-ies have examined a wide array of putative chemopreventives including dietary components (phytoestrogens, isoflavones, carote-noids, green tea), trace elements (selenium), vitamins (vitamins E, D and A), arachidonic acid metabolites (COX-2 inhibitors) and hormonal agents (finasteride, dutasteride).There has been data previously published that has shown that men taking Vit E and/or selenium may have a decreased rate of prostate cancer. Currently, there is a large study underway in the United States called the SELECT trial, which is investigating the role of sele-nium and Vitamin E in a randomized, placebo–controlled trial. Lycopene is a potent carotenoid which has been investigated recently in pre –clinical and clinical studies with interesting findings. Although not considered an essential nutrient, research has shown that lycopene may have various benefits for human health. As a major carotenoid in human blood, lycopene protects against oxida-tive damage to lipids, proteins, and DNA. Lycopene may prevent malignant transformation (the cellular process which describes the transformation of a normal cell into a cancer cell). Here is a table showing how you can incorporate lycopene in your diet.

SEPTEMBER IS PROSTATE CANCERAWARENESS MONTH

2008 Events Calendar

ZERO

SEPTEMBER 18

SEPTEMBER 20

SEPTEMBER 20

SEPTEMBER 21

SEPTEMBER 27

SEPTEMBER 28

Elliot in the Morning's Big Bad Blackjack TournamentBet against Prostate Cancer to benefit ZERO6:30 p.m., Presidential Golf Club, Dulles, Va.

Pony Up to End Prostate CancerPolo tournament to benefit ZERO1-4 p.m., Virginia International Polo Club, Upperville, Va.

Screening Day at CPDRMilitary Health Care Beneficiaries Only7am – 12pm by appointment

Athletes for a Cure Triathlon/Prostate Cancer FoundationOrlando Florida www.afactri.com

Fight Gone Bad - A One Day WorkoutAthletes for a Cure/Prostate Cancer FoundationNationwide at Crossfit Gyms www.athletesforacure.com

Dash for Dad/Depend 10K8 a.m., Alexandria, Va. www.DashforDad.org

The Project to End Prostate Cancer

Dietary Prevention of Prostate Cancer

TABLE 1: Lycopene Content of Common Foods

By Dr. Aaron E. KatzColumbia University

Food TypeGuava Fresh, PinkTomatoes Fresh, RedGrapefruit Fresh, PinkWatermelon Fresh, RedKetchupPizza SauceSpaghetti SaucePapaya Fresh, Red

Amount mg per 100 gr.5.43.1-7.73.364.116.632.917.52.0-5.3