Breakthrough MRI-Guided Technologies Aim to Reduce Unnecessary Prostate Cancer Surgeries, Improve Quality of Life
Overlake Medical Center first in region to adopt new standard of care
BELLEVUE, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Overlake Medical Center today announced it is formally adopting a new
standard of care for prostate cancer treatment with the potential to
dramatically decrease instances of over treatment. The improvements are
a result of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologies to diagnose
and guide biopsies to more accurately identify the cancer type and
inform treatment.
Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer for men and the
second-leading cause of death. However, not all prostate cancers are
created equal, with some less aggressive than others. Treating all
cancers the same has led to over treatment that can have lasting
quality-of-life issues, such as incontinence and erectile dysfunction.
“One in seven men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his
lifetime, but not all prostate cancers require immediate treatment,”
said urologic oncologist Dr. Khanh Pham, with Washington Urology
Associates. “In the past it has been a challenge to distinguish between
tumors that are potentially deadly and those that are indolent.”
“We are pleased that Overlake is at the forefront of care, investing in
technology that helps us better view high-grade tumors, as well as
perform MRI-guided prostate biopsies, which both have huge positive
ramifications for patient care.”
David Winokur, Overlake’s Medical Imaging director, explained,
“Typically, a patient may come in with elevated prostate-specific
antigens (PSA) in their blood, but that number can be the result of
anything from aggressive cancer to a simple infection, so an accurate
diagnosis is crucial.
“MRI technology gives us the ability to view detailed cross-sectional
images of the prostate and provide a much more accurate view of the type
of tumor we’re dealing with.
“In addition, MRI-guided biopsies are a game changer. We now have the
ability to pinpoint exactly where the tumor is and biopsy the precise
target rather than the traditional ‘shotgun approach’ of ultrasound
guided biopsies.”
In the past, since diagnostic information has been limited and inexact,
most patients and doctors understandably err on the side of more
aggressive treatment.
“Patients need to fully educate themselves on their diagnosis and
treatment options,” said Dr. Pham. “Guidelines from the American Cancer
Society as well as the American Urological Association have evolved to
include ‘active
surveillance’ as an acceptable and viable management option for men
with low-grade, indolent prostate cancer. Aggressive treatment, with
either surgery or radiation therapy, still remains important in the
management of prostate cancer for appropriately selected patients, but
may not the best solution in many cases, and Overlake’s new standard of
care reflects that.
“And since June is Men’s
Health Month, it seems especially appropriate to talk about these
advancements now.”
Reporters interested in interviews should contact Lee Keller or
Carol Lucas at the Keller Group at 425.898.2700 or lee@thekellergroup.com
and carol@thekellergroup.com.
About Overlake Medical Center
Overlake Medical Center is a nonprofit, non-tax-supported regional
hospital with a network of medical clinics located throughout the
Eastside. Founded by the community in 1960, the hospital is
licensed for 349 beds and offers a comprehensive range of services
including cardiac care, neuroscience, cancer care, general and specialty
surgery, women’s programs, senior care and psychiatric services.
It was the first Level III trauma service on the Eastside and is one
of only three hospitals in the state to receive a Leapfrog ‘A’ hospital
safety score for three years in a row. For more information, visit www.overlakehospital.org
Contacts
Overlake Medical Center
Kipepeo Brown, 425-688-5603
kipepeo.brown@overlakehospital.org
Media
pager, 425-631-6611
or
The Keller Group
Lee Keller,
206-799-3805
lee@thekellergroup.com
