Prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in men. According to the American Cancer Society, there will be nearly 250,000 new cases of diagnosed prostate cancer cases in the United States, leading to approximately 34,000 deaths annually.

Despite advances in the management of prostate cancer, the development of new therapeutic approaches is important to improve survival rates and quality of life for patients experiencing this disease. In this article, we will explore ten new therapeutic tactics for prostate cancer.

1. Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy holds great potential in treating prostate cancer as it harnesses the body’s immune system to attack cancer cells.

Provenge, a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved immunotherapy drug, utilizes a patient’s own immune cells to target cancerous cells once they are reintroduced into the body. Currently, research is ongoing to improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy and enhance patient responses.

2. Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy works by attacking specific genes or proteins within cancer cells. Currently, there are several targeted therapies for prostate cancer, such as abiraterone and enzalutamide, that are used to treat early-stage forms of the disease.

Researchers continue to study various targeted therapies to improve upon their effectiveness and minimize their side effects.

3. Chemotherapy Combination Therapy

Combining chemotherapy with other approved treatments has been found to be effective for some patients with advanced prostate cancer.

Research is ongoing to determine the most effective chemotherapy agents to pair with other treatments, as well as to identify patient populations that will most benefit from combination therapy.

4. Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is often used in combination with surgery or chemotherapy to treat prostate cancer. Recent research highlights promising results for using longer courses of radiation in combination with newer anti-hormone therapies.

This combination treatment has shown to lower the rate of recurrence for many prostate cancer patients.

5. Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT)

SBRT is a newer radiation therapy option that delivers high doses of radiation in fewer sessions compared to traditional radiation therapy.

Several recent studies have demonstrated improved outcomes with SBRT as a primary or salvage therapy in low and intermediate-risk prostate cancer patients.

6. High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)

HIFU directs high-frequency sound waves to destroy prostate cancer cells. This non-invasive and incision-free approach can be an ideal option for patients with early-stage prostate cancer or patients looking for alternatives to traditional therapies.

More research is needed to determine its efficacy for patients with more advanced forms of the disease.

7. Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy utilizes extreme cold to destroy prostate cancer cells. This is done through the use of liquid nitrogen and argon gases to freeze and kill cancer cells.

Cryotherapy can be an effective treatment for early-stage prostate cancer patients, but it may not be suitable for all patients.

8. Androgen Receptor Targeted Therapy

Androgen receptor targeted therapies work to inhibit the ability of androgens to stimulate tumor growth, as testosterone has a major role in prostate cancer growth.

There are several androgen receptor targeted therapies currently available, and ongoing research aims to improve their efficacy and identify additional treatment options.

9. Angiogenesis Inhibitors

Angiogenesis inhibitors prevent new blood vessels from forming within tumors, thus hindering tumor growth.

Bevacizumab is one such angiogenesis inhibitor that was initially approved for use in treating other forms of cancer but is now being studied for its efficacy in treating prostate cancer.

10. Diet and Exercise Modifications

Although not a direct therapeutic treatment, making necessary diet and exercise modifications can improve the quality of life of prostate cancer patients and their overall health outcomes.

Research indicates that regular exercise, a low-fat diet, and increased consumption of fruits and vegetables can help reduce the risk and progression of prostate cancer.