June is Men’s Health Month, a time to shine a light on the importance of early detection, preventive care, and proactive health decisions. Prostate cancer is a leading cancer diagnosis in men, but thankfully, advancements in treatment are making a significant difference in outcomes and quality of life.
NanoKnife Focal Therapy and SpaceOAR Hydrogel are changing the field of prostate cancer care by offering less invasive and more targeted approaches. We will explore how these treatments work, who they are for, and why prioritizing regular checkups and early intervention can be life-saving.
The NanoKnife System is a new approach to localized therapy for patients with intermediate-risk prostate cancer. It is an ablation device used to destroy a targeted area of tissue.
The device uses Irreversible Electroporation (or IRE), which is a technique in which electrical pulses are applied to targeted cells. The pulses create small holes in the cell membranes as they pass through. After enough pulses are delivered to the cells, they die.
Unlike traditional surgery or radiation, the NanoKnife System precisely targets cancerous tissue while sparing nearby healthy structures. It has many benefits, including the following:
Focal therapy for prostate cancer is typically considered for individuals who meet specific criteria. It is most suitable for men with localized prostate cancer, where the cancer is confined to a specific region of the prostate. It is not typically recommended for advanced or metastatic prostate cancer.
The NanoKnife System was developed as a focal therapy option for patients with intermediate-risk prostate cancer. These are cases where the cancer is less aggressive and less likely to spread beyond the prostate. It is also more effective when dealing with smaller tumors. Larger tumors may not be as effectively treated with focal approaches.
SpaceOAR Hydrogel is a polyethylene glycol (PEG) based hydrogel that temporarily creates space between the prostate and rectum, and reduces the radiation dose delivered to the rectum during radiation therapy. It has been clinically shown to help reduce the side effects of this type of therapy and improve patient quality of life.
The prostate is next to the rectum, and naturally separated by a small space. Due to the proximity, prostate radiation therapy can unintentionally cause damage to the rectum, which can lead to issues with bowel function.
The hydrogel spacer pushes the rectum away from the prostate and is designed to decrease rectal injury. By pushing the prostate farther from the rectum, the radiation dose delivered to the rectum is reduced, which may help minimize the side effects of radiation therapy.
SpaceOAR Hydrogel has the ability to protect the rectum, reduce side effects, and improve quality of life.
SpaceOAR Hydrogel is typically recommended for men with prostate cancer who are planning to undergo radiation therapy. Men whose cancer is confined to the prostate (low to intermediate risk) are candidates for this treatment, and it is especially helpful when high-dose radiation is needed.
Additionally, those who are concerned and want to reduce the risk of bowel, urinary, and sexual side effects are recommended for this treatment. It is particularly beneficial for men who already have mild urinary or rectal issues.
Our goal this Men’s Health Month was to highlight two effective treatment options for prostate cancer and emphasizing the importance of early detection. With modern options like NanoKnife Focal Therapy and SpaceOAR Hydrogel, men now have access to safer and smarter solutions.
The key to making these options available is early detection, and that starts with regular checkups and open conversations about your health. This Men’s Health Month, take the opportunity to prioritize your well-being or encourage the men in your life to do the same. The first step in preventive health is booking a consultation with our world-class urologist, right here at BPH Canada. Do not wait until it is too late – take action for a healthier life today.
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