Prostate Cancer Treatment in Germany

Comprehensive information on prostate cancer treatment in Germany. No waiting, no red tape, reasonable prices!

Contents

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men over the age of 60. There are also rare histological forms of prostate cancer that affect younger men. The urgency of the issue is further underscored by the slow and often unnoticed detection of malignant prostate tumors. Adenocarcinoma is the most common type, while solid tumors and squamous cell carcinoma are less common.

Causes of Prostate Cancer

The primary cause of prostate cancer is an imbalance of male hormones. An excess of steroid hormones leads to the gradual growth of glandular tissue. Due to a “malfunction” of the patient’s immune system (poor recognition of malignant cells), the tissue in the enlarged area of the prostate is subsequently replaced by atypical malignant tissue. In addition, the following risk factors for prostate cancer are usually very important

• Family history—prostate cancer in a close relative;
• Chronic prostate diseases;
• Benign enlargement of the prostate;
• Smoking and alcohol abuse;
• Effects of ionizing radiation;
• Occupational factors—men whose work involves exposure to cadmium have an increased risk of developing prostate cancer.
• Eat plenty of red meat and foods that boost testosterone levels.

Symptoms of prostate cancer

In most cases, the disease begins asymptomatically, and men remain unaware of the condition for a long time. Tumor growth is accompanied by damage to glandular tissue, nerve endings, and nearby structures, leading to the appearance of the first clinical symptoms. In cases of localized cancer, the disease may be completely asymptomatic. When the pathological process becomes extensive or generalized, the following symptoms and syndromes are observed

• Urinary dysfunction (frequent urination, difficulty urinating, sensation of incomplete bladder emptying);
• Delayed urination;
• Constantly increasing pain in the lumbar region;
• Blood in the urine (hematuria);
• General weakness, fatigue, anorexia, significant weight loss;
• Bone pain;
• Constipation; pain in the sacrum; pain in the perineum.

Although the disease is asymptomatic, it is difficult to diagnose. As a result, patients typically seek medical attention only in the later stages of the disease. Highly specialized clinics in Germany diagnose and treat all types of prostate cancer. German specialists quickly confirm the correct diagnosis and use the most advanced treatment methods.

Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer

If a specialist suspects that a patient has a malignant prostate condition, confirming the diagnosis does not take long. In the initial stage of diagnosis, the attending physician reviews the patient’s symptoms and medical history, followed by a comprehensive physical examination. If necessary, the patient is referred for an additional consultation with a specialist. In the final stage, the patient undergoes a series of laboratory and diagnostic tests to confirm the suspected diagnosis. The following tests are most commonly ordered:

• Complete blood count (CBC) for leukemia. Oncological processes in the prostate gland as seen in a complete blood count: elevated white blood cell count, elevated ESR, and iron-deficiency anemia.
• Urinalysis: hematuria, leukocyturia, and proteinuria are observed.
• Prostate-specific tests;
• Biochemical blood tests;
• A digital rectal exam is one of the primary methods for diagnosing malignant prostate diseases. Following a digital rectal exam, an experienced specialist can make an accurate diagnosis.
• Ultrasound. Transabdominal and transrectal ultrasound are used for prostate diseases.
• Doppler imaging and sonoelastography are used by German specialists when conventional ultrasound methods cannot distinguish malignant tissue from healthy tissue.
• Measurement of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels—a tumor marker whose elevation is observed in malignant prostate diseases.
• Histoscan
• Bone scintigraphy (to detect distant metastases);
• MRI of the pelvic organs;
• Histological examination of multiple transrectal prostate biopsies and subsequent biopsies. A prostate biopsy is performed at the slightest suspicion of a malignant tumor.

Prostate Cancer Treatment in Germany

TURP – transurethral resection of the prostate

Once the final diagnosis has been confirmed, German specialists develop a personalized treatment plan for the patient in accordance with international standards and protocols. Currently, early-stage prostate cancer responds well to conservative treatment. Prescription medications can reduce hyperandrogenism (elevated levels of male hormones). The following groups of medications are used for this purpose:

• Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonists. Medications in this group directly inhibit testosterone synthesis.
• Antiandrogens—drugs that can block the action of androgens;
• Estrogen therapy uses female hormones. This type of hormone therapy is very effective but is associated with frequent side effects affecting the cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract, and kidneys.
• Symptomatic treatment of prostate cancer involves the use of analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Previously, orchiectomy was the primary method of hormonal treatment for prostate cancer. German specialists have almost completely abandoned this method, as conservative hormonal therapy is more effective and, of course, less traumatic.

In addition to hormone therapy, German clinics use the following methods to treat prostate cancer

• Radical prostatectomy involves the removal of the entire prostate gland, along with the lymph nodes and surrounding tissues. Prostatectomy is the primary treatment for advanced prostate cancer.
• Brachytherapy involves implanting a special capsule containing radioactive material into the prostate through the perineum. It is typically used to treat localized cancer. This method has several advantages, including a lower risk of side effects and complications.
• HIFU therapy is the newest and highly effective method for treating malignant prostate tumors and involves the use of transrectal high-intensity focused ultrasound ablation of the prostate. Thanks to its numerous advantages, German specialists are successfully using this method. Ultrasound ablation of the prostate can either completely cure cancer or control its progression.
• Cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen to remove malignant cells. This method is used less frequently but is also effective in treating prostate cancer.
• External beam radiation therapy;
• Bisphosphonates (Zometa) are used if the patient has distant metastases in the bone.
• Chemotherapy for prostate cancer is used only as an adjunctive treatment and is primarily administered in the later stages of the disease. Chemotherapy drugs are not effective against malignant prostate cancer cells.

Specialists at German clinics use the latest, highly effective methods for the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer in Germany after treatment, patients are prescribed an individualized rehabilitation plan. Feedback on the treatment of this disease in German clinics is entirely positive, which is why we invite you to seek treatment for prostate cancer in Germany!