The Record Special Sections Health Quarterly 10-27-2019 | Page 18

18 ❚ SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2019 ❚ THE RECORD
HEALTH QUARTERLY / ADVERTISING SECTION
Prostate Cancer: Improving Patient Outcomes
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There are two approaches to
treating prostate cancer. The first
is surgical removal of the entire
prostate performed by a urolo-
gist either by hand or a minimally
invasive robotic-assisted laparo-
scopic procedure. Prostate cancer
surgery originally entailed a large,
open incision from the sternum to
the pubic bone.
“With the 21st century came
the introduction of robotic sur-
gery changing the way we take
care of our patients and greatly
improving outcomes by minimiz-
ing pain and recovery time,” says
Dr. Stifelman. “Since 2019, the
single-port robotic system, a game
changer in minimally invasive uro-
logic surgeries, has been utilized
at Hackensack University Medical
Center, one of only 20 medical
facilities worldwide that has this
revolutionary-designed, next-gen-
eration technology. We’ve come a
long way with minimally invasive
surgeries and the outcomes are
continuing to improve.”
The second method of treat-
ment is external beam radiation
therapy, delivering radioactive seeds
PHOTO COURTESY OF VALLEY HOSPITAL
Leading the Valley-Mount Sinai Comprehensive Cancer Care Radiation
Oncology team are, from left, Chad DeYoung, MD, co-director of
Radiation Oncology; radiation oncologist Thomas Kole, MD, Ph.D.; and
Michael Wesson, MD, co-director of Radiation Oncology.
directly into the prostate. This
process used to be a long two-
month course, but through rapidly
developing research, patients can
now receive radiation in five treat-
ments. In some cases, if a patho-
logist concludes any adverse fea-
tures after surgery, radiation
may also be required in addition
to other hormonal therapies.
SIDE EFFECTS
For some men, prostate cancer
treatment can lead to complica-
tions and side effects such as
erectile dysfunction, incontinence
and bleeding with bowel move-
ments. And like any cancer,
prostate cancer can metastasize,
spreading to nearby organs.
Surgery, in general, can
present a risk of infection and
bleeding. Additionally, erectile
dysfunction can be more common
with surgery as the surrounding
nerves may not always be spared.
With radiation, there can be
a risk to the surrounding bowels.
To improve patient outcomes
and enhance quality of life after
radiation treatment, doctors are
using an innovative new technol-
ogy called SpaceOAR hydrogel, a
gel-like material that temporarily
moves the rectal wall away from
the prostate during radiation
therapy. “Placing the SpaceOAR
is a safe, simple procedure that
greatly improves the ability to
safely deliver curative radiation
therapy for prostate cancer.
Because we are significantly
decreasing the risk of undesirable
side effects and complications,
our patients will experience a
superior quality of life after treat-
ment,” explains Dr. Kole.
Other side effects are attributed
to hormone replacement thera-
pies for prostate cancer patients.
Dr. Orsini recommends several
techniques to help counterbal-
ance the effects. “Some men
find relief by wearing a cold vest
for one hour in the morning and
one hour in the evening, says
Dr. Orsini, Jr. “I encourage my
patients to try acupuncture as a
benign means to relieve pain and
other side effects of treatment.”
PREVENTION
Leading a healthy lifestyle is
the number one recommenda-
tion in the fight against prostate
cancer. Eat a well-balanced diet,
exercise most days of the week,
maintain a healthy weight and
consult with your medical team
for those who are at increased
risks. For most men with prostate
cancer, treatment can remove or
destroy the cancer.
The journey before, during and
after cancer treatment is a per-
sonal one, often times mixed with
both stress and hope. Staying
positive and making healthful life
choices is the best place to start.
With the help of loved ones and
other support systems, most men
live full and positive lives.
Allergies: Be Vigilant Breast Cancer: Clinical Trials
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mold spores and pollen on them, which can cause nasal allergies to
flare. Take time to rinse off live trees before you bring them in. If
you have an artificial tree and decorations that you use every year,
clean them to remove dust and potential mold.
Hugs and kisses: You enjoy seeing your friends and relatives
during the holidays, but you may want to reconsider all the hugs and
kisses, which can easily spread germs. Flu shots are available now,
and it’s not too early to get yours - before flu and holiday seasons
are in full swing. If you have asthma, it’s particularly important to
wash your hands thoroughly and regularly.
Eats and treats: Holidays are a time to gather to enjoy
delicious meals and tasty treats. If you have food allergies, you
must be particularly vigilant about knowing what’s inside each item.
Some people are sensitive to even trace amounts of certain foods,
and this can be particularly concerning for bakery goods prepared
in commercial kitchens. Always ask before you eat something new,
and be an advocate for your children if they suffer from allergies.
Dust and dander: If you are allergic to indoor allergens like dust,
mold and dander, you probably diligently clean your home. But that
doesn’t mean the host of the party you’re attending does the same.
If you’re attending a party, or traveling to see friends, consider
packing allergy medicine just in case you start to feel symptoms
from triggers tugging at your good time. ongoing clinical research in all subtypes of breast
cancer, including Triple Negative and HER-2
Positive. In the last year, the program has found
that some Triple Negative patients are very
responsive to immunotherapy. Additionally, vac-
cines have been generated from patients’ own
immune cells for the HER-2 subtype. “We are
already on track to personalized medicine.”
Dr. Chan emphasizes that “advancement in
treatment doesn’t happen without clinical trials.
Each clinical trial goes through a review board and
is scientifically sound and safe. These trials give
patients early access to life-saving treatments.”
Due to scientific and technological advance-
ments, along with innovative initiatives in patient
care, great strides are being made to detect, treat,
and even prevent breast cancer. The awareness
raised through Breast Cancer Awareness Month
is a strong impetus to continue finding new ways
to fight the disease.
-- Brandpoint
PHOTO COURTESY OF RUTGERS CANCER INSTITUTE
The Rutgers Cancer Institute collaborates
with RWJ Barnabas Health, and conducts cancer
clinical trials and drug development.