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Important Blood Tests
PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) It is important to measure both the total and free levels as well as track the magnitude of changes and the velocity or how fast the PSA is increasing. I could devote a full article on evaluating the PSA. In lieu of this, here are some key points:
PAP (Prostatic Acid Phosphatase) This was the test used pre PSA. However, it still plays an important role in the initial evaluation. For example, a patient with normal bone scan and a localized disease with the appropriate imaging will assume that the bones are not an issue. However, if PAP is elevated or even in the upper normal range, and especially if the urine DpD is elevated, the patient may be at greater risk for bone metastasis, and my program will focus on bone support. This is what I consider simple, good medicine. Hormonal Profile The hormone profile is very important. It can give valuable information about the nature of the disease, causative factors and treatment strategies. A thorough evaluation of the hormonal profile as a base line will allow for fine-tuning of the treatment protocol on both a short term as well as long term basis. The basics:
In addition:
Imaging A good baseline requires good imaging. An ultrasound taken in the average urologist's office is unacceptable. The state of the art imaging techniques are:
Localized Treatments:
Androgen Deprivation Therapy Combined hormonal therapy (the use of more than one hormonal modulating drug) when used appropriately can yield positive results over a long period of time. However, monotherapy, the use of a single agent (Casodex) without suppression of testosterone, offers the best quality of life. I prefer to use it in cases of less aggressive disease where the quality of life and sexual function are a major consideration. Complementary Modalities Based on the latest scientific research, many different nutrients have shown promise in maintaining prostate health. They can be used at all stages and in conjunction with conventional treatment protocols. These nutrients can be divided along their beneficial principles:
Modified Citrus Pectin Modified citrus pectin (MCP) is essential for prostate health. It directly attacks abnormal cells thereby reducing the disease, but at the same time it has properties that enhance the overall health of the individual. A true super nutrient! Let me explain how it can do all this. Cancer cells are different from normal cells in a number of important ways. First and foremost they have lost control of the "cell cycle". This is the natural cycle that controls when cells live, when they divide, and when they die. Cancer, by definition, grows out of control without any of the normal checks and balances. Many herbs, nutrients, and drugs function by getting cells to enter back into the cell cycle and die a normal death. Another important difference that abnormal cells have is they "look" different from normal cells. All cells have different molecules on their surface. These molecules allow the cells to communicate with each other and their environment:
These cells have more of one type or less of another or they have markers on their surface that are unique. These changes allow white blood cells to recognize them. One type of molecule that these cells have too many of is called galectin-3. Galectin-3 molecules function as "hands" and help the cancer spread in many ways. First they are important in reaching out and stimulating the growth of new blood vessels. Second, galectins allow cells< |