Prostate cancer

A higher-than-normal concentration of a protein called PSA can be the first sign of a malignant disease of the prostate. Problems, and especially pain, during urination or ejaculation should also be taken seriously. The same applies to a frequent urge to urinate or an inability to empty the bladder completely, also blood in the semen or urine. Even so, many of these symptoms are by no means unequivocal. They may also be caused by infections or by a benign enlargement of the prostate. A precise diagnosis can be made by a urologist.

In the western world, prostate cancer is one of the most common of all forms of cancers. In Europe, almost 350,000 men contracted this type of tumor in 2006, making it the most frequent form of cancer among men. In the USA, prostate cancer – with more than 200,000 new cases every year – is the second most common tumor disease after skin cancer. In most case it is a hormone-dependent tumor.

The number of cases has increased over the past few years, probably as a consequence of the overall increase in life expectancy. In 2006, for instance, there were 16 percent more new cases of the disease than in 1995. The causes of prostate cancer are still clear at present. There may be a hereditary disposition, for the risk is greater when one's father or a brother has had a tumor. The risk of contracting the disease also increases with age. Men hardly ever contract prostrate cancer before the age of fifty. Moreover, more than 50 percent of all men over sixty have an enlarged prostate gland. This can often be benign in nature, however.

The earlier the disease is diagnosed, the more therapy options are available to combat it. They range from surgery to radiation treatment to therapy using hormone-receptor antagonists, i.e. substances that stop the formation of testosterone or prevent its effect at the target location. They can stop or at least slow down the growth of prostate carcinomas. Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals also offers a therapy approach of this kind that combats the effect of the testosterone produced in the body.

Sometimes, the above-mentioned therapies are combined. At times, however, the urologist may recommend initially waiting to see how the disease develops and observing it closely.

If the tumor has already reached an advanced stage, there is no definitive cure. However, there are drugs that can alleviate the symptoms and prevent the disease from advancing further. Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals supplies a therapeutic agent of this kind in the USA. An implant the size of a matchstick is inserted beneath the skin of the upper arm.

There, for a whole year, it releases an active ingredient which inhibits the production of the male sexual hormone testosterone in the organism. Studies have shown that prostate cells need testosterone to grow and reproduce. In this way, the active ingredient helps alleviate pain and problems of the urinary tract.

Advice for patients
Every body reacts differently to medicines. Therefore it is impossible to tell which medicine works best for you. Please consult your physician.