Seeds of Hope for Prostate Cancer
Quick Link: Cancer Care at Bellefonte
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James Krick, D.O., OLBH Urologist
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Cancer of the prostate gland is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men (other than skin cancer) and is second only to lung cancer as the leading cause of death among American men. Prostate cancer accounts for about 11 percent of male cancer-related deaths annually.
The risk of developing prostate cancer increases with age, occurring most often in men age 55 and older. African American men and men who have a family history of prostate cancer in a close family member have the greatest risk of prostate cancer.
Because prostate cancer is often without symptoms until the late stages of the disease, prevention and early detection are of great importance. "Men age 50 and older should have a digital rectal examination of the prostate gland," James Krick, D.O., OLBH urologist, said. "This exam, along with a prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test, should be performed yearly. However, for men who are at an increased risk of the disease, I recommend beginning these tests at a younger age."
Until recently, treatment methods for prostate cancer included surgery or external radiation therapy. Today, developments such as internal radiation therapy, also called brachytherapy, are available at Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital.
"Brachytherapy involves implanting radioactive seeds directly into the prostate," Dr. Krick explained. "The procedure is performed by myself and other OLBH urologists together with the hospital's radiation oncologist, Aaron Williams, Pharm. D., M.D. The radioactivity from the seeds is minimal, allowing patients to return home to family and friends after surgery."
According to Dr. Williams, who was instrumental in beginning the hospital's prostate implant program, "Prostate seeding is an important alternative to surgical removal of the prostate gland for certain patients. It is performed on an outpatient basis and has no long-term side effects."
Once a patient and his urologist agrees on prostate seeding as the best treatment option, the next step is a study of the prostate gland. "An ultrasound image verifies the gland's size and shape, and helps determine an appropriate amount of the tiny radioactive seeds needed for treatment," Dr. Krick added. Once the prostate size has been accurately measured, the patient will undergo routine tests including blood work analysis, chest X-ray and an EKG.
"While under anesthesia, special hollow needles are inserted into the prostate through the skin," Dr. Krick further explained. "Guided by ultrasound images, the needles are properly positioned, using them as a vessel to drop the seeds precisely into the prostate gland." The average procedure takes approximately two hours. "Our experience has been that patients do very well. Most go home directly from recovery and resume normal activities in a few days," he added.
Men should consult their physician about prostate cancer screening exams. For more information about OLBH physicians or services, please call the CareLine at (606) 833-CARE (2273).
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