According to the American Cancer Society, about 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. This shows that the disease has a high risk of developing in the male population, which may become life-threatening.
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However, when diagnosed early, treatment options are generally less costly and have better outcomes for the patient. Here are several treatment options available for treating prostate cancer:
1. Surgery
This is one of the most common treatment options for prostate cancer, especially for men whose cancer is localized to the prostate gland. The main surgical procedure for prostate cancer is called a radical prostatectomy. It involves removing the entire prostate gland and some surrounding tissue.
| Pros | Cons |
| Effectively removes cancer cells and prevents spreading. | Risks include bleeding, infection, and anesthesia complications. |
| Can cure early-stage prostate cancer. | Potential side effects like incontinence and erectile dysfunction may appear. |
| Advances in surgical techniques, such as robotic-assisted surgery, reduce invasiveness and recovery time. | Recovery will take several weeks. |
2. Radiation therapy
This treatment uses high-energy beams, such as X-rays or protons, to kill cancer cells. It can be used as a primary treatment option or in combination with other treatments, such as surgery or hormone therapy.
There are three types of radiation therapy used in treating prostate cancer:
Radiation therapy damages the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from growing and dividing. Healthy cells can also be affected by radiation, but they can generally repair themselves more effectively than cancer cells.
| Pros | Cons |
| A non-invasive treatment option that does not require surgery. | Treatment can be time-consuming, with patients typically requiring daily treatments for several weeks. |
| An effective way to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. | Risk of long-term side effects, such as secondary cancers and damage to nearby organs. |
| Side effects are generally less severe than those associated with surgery. | Radiation therapy may not be as effective for those with more advanced cancer. |
3. Immunotherapy
This is a newer treatment option for prostate cancer. Immunotherapy can work in different ways, such as:
- Stopping or slowing the growth of cancer cells.
- Preventing cancer from spreading to other parts of the body.
- Helping the immune system work better at destroying cancer cells.
The most common type of immunotherapy drug used for prostate cancer is a vaccine called Sipuleucel-T (Provenge).
| Pros | Cons |
| Effective way to stimulate the body's natural defenses against cancer cells. | It may not work for those with more advanced cancer. |
| A non-invasive treatment option that does not require surgery or radiation. | Treatment can be expensive and may not be covered by all insurance plans. |
| Side effects are generally mild and may include flu-like symptoms like fever and chills. | The long-term effectiveness of immunotherapy for prostate cancer is still being studied, and more research is needed to understand its potential benefits and risks fully. |
4. Chemotherapy
This type of therapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. It is typically used for more advanced stages of prostate cancer or when other treatments have not been effective.
| Pros | Cons |
| An effective way to kill cancer cells that have spread beyond the prostate gland. | It can cause side effects, such as nausea, fatigue, hair loss, and increased risk of infection. |
| It can be used in combination with other treatments, such as hormone therapy or radiation therapy, to improve outcomes. | Treatment can be time-consuming and require multiple sessions over several weeks or months. |
| It can help alleviate symptoms of advanced prostate cancer. | Patients may require ongoing monitoring and support. |
For prostate cancer, chemotherapy drugs are typically used one at a time, some of which include:
- Docetaxel
- Cabazitaxel
- Mitoxantrone
- Estramustine
- Carboplatin
These drugs target and eliminate rapidly dividing cells - a characteristic of cancer cells. The goal of chemotherapy in advanced prostate cancer is often to extend survival and enhance quality of life by reducing cancer-related symptoms.
5. Cryotherapy
This is also known as cryosurgery or cryoablation. This therapy uses extreme cold to freeze and destroy cancer cells in the prostate gland. It is typically used for patients with localized prostate cancer who are not candidates for surgery or radiation therapy.
| Pros | Cons |
| A minimally invasive procedure that can be performed under local or general anesthesia. | It may not be as effective as surgery or radiation therapy for some patients, particularly those with locally advanced prostate cancer. |
| It has a lower risk of side effects compared to surgery or radiation therapy. | There is a risk of side effects, such as urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction, which can be temporary or permanent. |
| Recovery time is generally shorter than with surgery. | It may not be appropriate for all patients, particularly those with underlying medical conditions. |
| Cryotherapy can be repeated if necessary, and it can be used in combination with other treatments, such as hormone therapy. | - |
6. Hormone therapy
This type of treatment, known as androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), works by reducing the levels of male hormones (androgens) in the body. It slows down the growth of prostate cancer cells, and is often used in combination with other treatments, such as radiation therapy.
| Pros | Cons |
| An effective way to slow the growth and spread of prostate cancer cells, particularly in the early stages of the disease. | It can cause side effects, such as hot flashes, fatigue, decreased libido, and osteoporosis. |
| It can ease symptoms of advanced prostate cancer. | Long-term use of hormone therapy can lead to the development of hormone-resistant prostate cancer. |
| It can be administered through injections, implants, or oral medications, making it a convenient option for many patients. | The effectiveness can vary depending on the patient & the stage and aggressiveness of their cancer. |
Note that hormone therapy is not a cure but rather a way to manage symptoms and prolong survival, especially in advanced cases.
7. High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound
This is a relatively new treatment option for prostate cancer that uses high-frequency sound waves to heat and destroy cancer cells in the prostate gland. You may undergo this kind of treatment if the cancer hasn't spread outside the prostate or has come back into the prostate after treatment.
| Pros | Cons |
| It does not require incisions or radiation exposure. | It is not widely available and may not be covered by all insurance plans. |
| Recovery time is generally shorter than with surgery, with most patients able to return to normal activities within a few days. | The long-term effectiveness is still being studied. |
| It can be repeated if necessary, and can be used in combination with hormone therapy. | There is a risk of side effects, such as urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction. |
As with any medical treatment, patients should discuss the potential benefits and risks of each option with their healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate choice for their specific case of prostate cancer.
Annual Treatment Cost of Patients with Prostate Cancer
The annual per-patient costs for prostate cancer treatment vary depending on the stage of the disease and the type of care required.
| Stage of Care | Annual Cost per Patient | Description |
| Early Stage | $28,000 | This cost typically includes diagnostic tests, such as: - Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) - Biopsies - Imaging studies |
| Continued Care | $2,600 | This covers regular check-ups, PSA tests, and necessary medications to maintain the patient's health and prevent cancer recurrence. |
| Care in the Last Year of Life | $74,000 | This cost includes intensive treatments such as: - Chemotherapy - Targeted therapy - Palliative care |
It is important to note that the cost of treating prostate cancer can vary significantly depending on several factors:
- The stage and aggressiveness of the cancer
- Insurance coverage
- Type of treatment
In some cases, a late diagnosis of prostate cancer may occur due to medical negligence or malpractice. If a healthcare provider fails to properly screen, diagnose, or treat prostate cancer on time, leading to a more advanced stage of the disease and increased treatment costs, the patient may be entitled to a medical malpractice claim.
Our medical malpractice lawyer can provide guidance and support throughout the legal process, working to ensure that the patient's rights are protected and that they receive the compensation they deserve.
How to Establish a Claim for Compensation
To establish a claim due to a late medical diagnosis or an erroneous diagnosis, you will need to prove these elements:
| 1. Duty of Care – Was there an appropriate doctor-patient relationship? |
| 2. Breach of Duty – Did your doctor perform poorly/negligently based on accepted standards of care? |
| 3. Causation – Did your doctor’s actions/inactions directly cause you harm? |
| 4. Damages – What did these errors cost you? |
Our attorneys can help you gather evidence, consult medical experts, and build a strong compensation case.
Questions About Filing a Prostate Cancer Malpractice Claim?
Talk to our experienced lawyers to get answers.
Speak to a Prostate Cancer Lawyer Today
At the Porter Law Group, our team of proven medical malpractice lawyers delivers ideal results. We take pride in helping families rebuild after unfavorable circumstances.
We operate on a contingency basis – meaning you do not need to pay us anything unless we win your case. Through this approach, we can better support families during their times of need.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of medical malpractice, please reach out to us for a non-obligatory free case evaluation. You can also contact us at 833-PORTER9 or info@porterlawteam.com to schedule a consultation.
