Dec 9, 2008 10:40 am US/Eastern
Watch & Wait Approach Tested On Prostate Patients
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
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Doctors at Mass General say some 400 patients have opted for "active surveillance" since they started the protocol four years ago.
WBZ
Thousands of men are living with prostate cancer every year and many of them don't feel any symptoms, but unlike other cancers which benefit from immediate treatment, a new "watch and wait" approach may be the best option for some patients with prostate cancer.
GETTING THE DIAGNOSIS
Burt Rubin is a high-powered New York attorney.
When he was diagnosed with prostate cancer last year, he was all set to undergo a new experimental radiation treatment but was concerned about the potential side effects. "I think every time your body is invaded whether it's radiology or surgery, there is some effect."
WHAT IS 'ACTIVE SURVEILLANCE?'
But then Burt met with doctors atÂ
Mass. General Hospital Cancer Center who told him he was a candidate for another treatment protocol called "active surveillance."
Doctors closely monitor patients for any changes in their
PSA levels, which indicate whether their cancer is growing before they have surgery or radiation, which can have long-lasting effects. "My brother and mother died of cancer. I've been through a lot of the trauma of treatment and feel this is the best thing for me at this point."
ACTIVE SURVEILLANCE IS NOT FOR EVERYONE
"What we are trying to do is separate those individuals who need treatment form those who don't, it's terribly important because the quality of life issues are paramount," said Dr. Donald Kaufman of the Mass. General Cancer Center.
"Walking around knowing you have cancer in your body and not doing anything about it is something that bothers me from time to time, but I always come back to the realistic facts of the case and feel I am doing the best thing for me," explains Burt.
Doctors at Mass General say some 400 patients have opted for "active surveillance" since they started the protocol four years ago, but they treat any patient whose cancer show signs of growing or anyone who requests it.
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