To print: Select File and then Print from your browser's menu --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Title: Cryosurgery More Effective in Treating Some Prostate Cancer URL: http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/7FFA.htm Doctor's Guide April 30, 1996
PITTSBURGH, April 30, 1996 -- A recent study conducted by urologists and researchers at Allegheny General Hospital (AGH) and published in the March issue of Urology confirms that prostate cryosurgery is at least twice as effective as traditional methods of treating localized prostate cancer. Led by Ralph Miller, M.D., and Jeffrey Cohen, M.D., AGH urologists and professors at Medical College of Pennsylvania and Hahnemann University, the study of patients who underwent prostate cryosurgery at AGH offers greater hope for men who wish to avoid radical prostatectomy and radiation therapy as treatment options. According to the study, cryosurgical removal of the diseased prostate tissue has a failure rate of just 35 percent compared to traditional therapies, which have failure rates as high as 85 percent. The study also supports that removal of the cancerous prostate tissue can be performed with fewer complications than previously encountered, involving less pain for the patient and a quicker recovery. Additionally, the study notes, newer cryotechnology enables surgeons to bring larger volumes of tissue to lower temperatures than previously possible, increasing the capabilities of the technique. Prostate cryosurgery -- freezing cancerous tumors of the prostate gland -- was initiated nearly six years ago at Allegheny General. Since then, more than 700 men have opted for cryosurgical prostate treatment at AGH. Having proven cryosurgery is generally effective, safe and less expensive than traditional treatment methods, it is Dr. Cohen's belief that prostate cryosurgery will eventually be accepted as a standard procedure for treating localized prostate cancer. Currently, most insurance companies do not reimburse for prostate cryosurgical treatment, which is still considered experimental. According to Dr. Cohen, ideal candidates for prostate cryosurgery are between 60 and 70 years of age and have advanced localized cancer of the prostate. Most patients regain normal function post-treatment, says Dr. Cohen. A very small percentage may experience incontinence. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright © 1999 P\S\L Consulting Group Inc. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of P\S\L content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of P\S\L. P\S\L shall not be liable for any errors, omissions or delays in this content or any other content on its sites, newsletters or other publications, nor for any decisions or actions taken in reliance on such content. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This news story was printed from *Doctor's Guide to the Internet* located at http://www.docguide.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return to News Story Page This site is maintained by webmaster@pslgroup.com Please contact us with any comments, problems or bugs. All contents Copyright (c) 1998 P\S\L Consulting Group Inc. All rights reserved.