The first problem people with a diagnosis of prostate cancer face is the finding of a medical institution with the best conditions for examination and treatment. Today, the solution to this problem for many people in France – a country where the level of development of medicine has reached unprecedented heights. The advantage of choice for cancer patients is getting a real chance for recovery, the highest quality of service, as well as the intensive implementation of innovative programs that have proven highly effective in clinical trials. In particular, treatment of prostate cancer in France is based on the principles of quality, speed, and, certainly, individual therapy programs.
The causes of prostate cancer.
The most common cause of prostate cancer in men of middle and old age are hormonal changes, as well as an increase in testosterone. In this case, heredity and lifestyle are equally important. It is known that the presence of a particular gene significantly increases the risk of prostate cancer in the second half of life.
In addition, on the basis of research conducted by scientists, in which NOHV13 mutation was found, the test (PSA) to determine the presence of a potential problem is used in France today. This test allows to both prevent prostate cancer (through preventive measures defined by a specialist) and find the disease in its early stages. The initial examination is mandatory for men who are in their fortieth.
Diagnostics of the disease and treatment of prostate cancer in France.
Speaking of examination of prostate and cancer treatment methods, it is worth noting that in this country the greatest number of studies is carried out and the number of new drugs (in tablet form, in particular) is growing annually. Among the proven drugs there are Orteronel drugs or MDV 3100 used in hormonal therapy. The most expected result, which will be obtained this year, is the study of such drugs as Astellas and Orion.
The great potential of future techniques is not the only reason to choose French medical institutions. Today, regardless of the course of the disease, patients can choose one of three main methods, including nonsurgical, medical, and exposure.
Important is the fact that the methods and timing selected for each patient are based not only on the symptoms of cancer but also on the results of such tests as:
– Ultrasound of the urinary tract;
– Finger rectal examination;
– MRI;
– PSA level change control;
– US-controlled biopsy, as necessary;
– CT (computed tomography);
– Complete blood count, etc.
It should be noted that the biopsy is ordered only after receiving the results of the MRI. This approach allows to obtain data before the spot of sample intake is scarred, and thus such data will be maximum correct.
Methods of treatment of prostate cancer: what can modern medicine offer in this case.
Regardless of the status of a clinic, you have chosen, an individual treatment plan is prepared by a specialist only after a thorough diagnostics of the patient’s health.
Depending on the data obtained in the examination, the following options of treatment of the disease will be offered to patients at medical centers in France:
– Chemotherapy with individual selection of medicines;
– Brachytherapy (internal exposure);
- Radiotherapy (classic options);
- Stereotactic radiosurgery
– Hormone therapy, etc.
- HIFU (High-intensity focused ultrasound)
Thus, selecting an option depends on the stage of the disease, other diseases of the patient, test results, and the patient’s age. It is important to note that when selecting the treatment, even the patient’s mood is taken into account since it is proved that treatment of cancer depends largely on the willingness of a person to fight for his/her health.
Treatment of prostate cancer: proven methods.
Hormonal therapy
In this case, the effect of treatment is aimed at blocking testosterone production, which in many cases causes onset. A course of injections of special medicines and a certain regimen are assigned to the patient. Chemotherapy is aimed at blocking of development of cancerous cells. The method is used in the absence of any effect of hormonal therapy as well as in the later stages of prostate cancer.
Radiotherapy and brachytherapy
The principle of the method is the exposure of malignancies to radionuclides, due to which the structure of DNA of cancer cells is destroyed. One of the forms of progressive medicine is brachytherapy or the contact exposure method when the radiation source is introduced into the affected organ. This method of treatment allows the use of higher doses of radiation without any risk to healthy tissues. The process is extremely effective and widely used in stages 1 and 2 of prostate cancer.
Radiotherapy and radiosurgery
This technique, which allows achieving maximum results (complete cure) is used at the stage of “localized” prostate cancer. Through the use of cutting-edge technologies, which now French medicine can offer, control over the course of the disease makes it possible to restore the patient’s health without the negative effects of radiation.
Super conformational therapy (intensity-modulated)
This option provides ultra-precise exposure of the affected tissue, in which the radiation dose can be up to 80 Gray. The treatment is based on calculations of biophysics and lasts 7 to 8 weeks. A feature of the choice of French clinics is the possibility of controlling the irradiation process in real-time. This approach makes it possible to affect the diseased organ without harming healthy tissue.
Curietherapy
Curietherapy can be carried out in two ways: classic therapy and curietherapy with a high dose of radiation. In addition, various institutions also offer a combination of these options. In the case of classic therapy, the treatment process provides the introduction of radioactive iodine-125 microgranules for the period calculated by an expert. In the second case, Iridium-192 is used, which is introduced for a certain period. Assignment of this method allows the use of radiation dose 100 times greater than in the case of the classic method.
When using a combination of these methods, the therapeutic dose is 115 Gray. Recent developments make it possible to improve the quality of the process by 20% by increasing the control of the irradiation procedure.
Surgery
Until today, radical prostatectomy was the main opportunity for the successful treatment of prostate cancer. The effect was achieved by the complete removal of the affected organ, as well as of the regional lymph nodes. Despite the new methods, this technique is quite popular today. The main feature of this option is a complete cure of the patient in the early stages of cancer. With regards to the surgical technique, it is important to note that in the last decade, the rate of patients’ survival is about 80%. At the high risk of relapse, radiotherapy or chemotherapy is ordered.
It is interesting! One of the most popular ways that have proven high efficiency during surgery is an operation performed by the Da Vinci robot. In combination with a highly qualified doctor, this option allows you to achieve the following benefits:
– surgical field image (the process is carried out in three-dimensional space in real-time);
– pinpoint accuracy of moves;
– possibility of optimal preservation of anatomical structures;
– more comfortable environment for the surgeon when performing the finest treatments.
It is also worth noting that the use of the da Vinci robot provides patients with rapid healing of stitches and significantly reduces the risk of scarring in the area of operation. Today, the technology is so relevant and in-demand that medical robots of the second generation are used even in small-town clinics. A wide range of equipment allows for the best outcome even in situations when other methods did not have a significant effect.
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