Prostate and Kidney Cancer (one lecture) Flashcards
Risk factors for prostate cancer
- increasing age (>50)
- diet (high fat)
- family history
- race (african american)
What are the different screening methods for prostate cancer?
- Digital rectal exam
- PSA
What are the general methods of treating prostate cancer? (4) (if it is confined to the prostate)
- active surveillance (recommended for 2/3 of new cases)
- radical prostatectomy
- external beam radiation
- brachytherapy (radioactive seeds - much less complication than external beam)
** for metastatic cancer: orchiectomy/ medical castration (deprivation of androgens)
T/F - early stage prostate cancer can impact the urethra - causing decreased stream
false. it doesn’t affect urethra early on - because it starts in the peripheral zone
symptoms of early prostatic disease
none
symptoms of progressive prostatic disease
- hesitancy, decreased stream, nocturia
- blood in semen
- impotence
- bone pain (advanced)
What is prostate-specific antigen (PSA)?
it is a serine protease which liquefies ejaculate. It is prostate specific but NOT cancer - specific.
Ways to enhance PSA specificity
- use age-matched reference values (PSA rises with age)
- measure PSA velocity (>0.75/year rise = suspicious)
- measure PSA density (>0.15 = suspicious for cancer)
- measure % free PSA (low % free is bad)
T/F - digital rectal exam can raise someone’s PSA
FALSE
T/F: prostate cancer is generally over-diagnosed and over-treated
true. Screening has not been shown to reduce death rate.
T/F: in certain studies, prostate screening with PSA was associated with increased mortality
true. (PLCO trial) other trials show benefit.
PLCO trial had many confounders - they were allowed to have 1 prior PSA.. and they had no age-matched reference… plus 50% of people got PSAs outside of the study.
Overview of complexities in PLCO trial (showed PSA screening associated with increased death rate)
PLCO trial had many confounders - they were allowed to have 1 prior PSA.. and they had no age-matched reference… plus 50% of people got PSAs outside of the study.
benefits of screening for prostate cancer
-catch it earlier, more localized
Who should be screened for prostate cancer?
- Screen 55-69 - prime age, and age where treatment makes the biggest difference
- Screen 40-55 years if other risk factors (family history, African American)
- DO NOT screen under 40 years.
T/F Patients with lower urinary tract symptoms should be checked for PSA.
True.