What will be the future treatments for prostate cancer?

The treatment of organ-confined prostate cancer to date has involved cutting out, radiating, or freezing the gland in trying to cure the disease. In more advanced cases, the goal has been to control the cancer for at least some time by using hormonal treatment or chemotherapy. Earlier diagnosis and improved treatment techniques in recent years have certainly led to better results. In addition, other treatments are being sought. For example, microwave treatment of the prostate is being used for benign prostatic hypertrophy (enlargement of the prostate, BPH) in a minimally invasive (minimal cutting or probing), outpatient (outside the hospital) procedure. Studies may soon begin to evaluate this technique as a treatment for prostate cancer.

The key to curing prostate cancer, however, ultimately will come from an understanding of the genetic basis of this disease. Genes, which are chemical compounds located on the chromosomes, determine the characteristics of individuals. Accordingly, investigators at research centers have focused on identifying and isolating the gene or genes responsible for prostate cancer. For example, studies are being conducted in men who have a family history of prostate cancer to try to uncover the genetic links of the disease. The investigators ultimately will try to block or modify the offending genes so as to prevent or alter the disease. Finally, perhaps a vaccine to either prevent or treat prostate cancer will be developed in the future.