Denvax | Best Immunotherapy Hospital in India for Cancer Treatment

What is prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, typically developing after age 50. While often slow-growing, early detection is crucial, as it can become aggressive in later stages. However, if not diagnosed early, it can spread rapidly, making treatment more difficult

Types of Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer can arise from different cell types, each with unique characteristics and treatment challenges

Neuroendocrine Prostate Cancer (NEPC)
Rare but aggressive cancers that look like hormone-producing neuroendocrine cells. Often develop after long-term treatment for prostate adenocarcinoma and are resistant to standard hormone therapies.
Small Cell Prostate Cancer (SCPC)
Spreads and grows rapidly to organs like the liver, lungs, and bones, difficult to track due to low PSA. It responds poorly to hormone treatments.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Aggressive cancer where prostate cells change to flat, skin-like cells. It often appears in advanced stages, spreads quickly, and doesn’t respond well to hormone or radiation therapy.

Transitional Cell Carcinoma
Resembles bladder cancer and may cause blood in the urine or urinary blockage. Its behavior depends on the origin and spread.
Prostate Sarcoma
Rare, fast-growing cancers of connective tissues like muscle or fat may spread through the bloodstream. Types include leiomyosarcoma and rhabdomyosarcoma.
Prostate Lymphoma
Rare cancer of the prostate. Most cases are part of a widespread lymphoma rather than starting in the prostate. Common symptoms include urinary blockage and blood in the urine.

What are the Prostate Cancer Symptoms?

Symptoms may vary based on the stage of cancer, but common signs include

Frequent Urination
Pain in the scrotum region
Blood in Urine or semen
Pain in the lower back or pelvic region
Erectile dysfunction

Diagnosis: How to Diagnose Prostate Cancer?

Diagnosing prostate cancer typically involves a series of tests and evaluations to detect the presence of cancerous cells in the prostate gland. Your doctor will begin by taking a detailed medical history, including any urinary symptoms, family history of prostate or other cancers, and lifestyle factors.

A physical examination, particularly a Digital Rectal Exam, is often performed. During the DRE, the doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel the prostate for any irregularities, lumps, or hard areas.

PSA Blood Test

The Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test measures the level of PSA in the blood. PSA is a protein produced by both normal and cancerous prostate cells. Elevated PSA levels may indicate prostate cancer, but can also be caused by benign conditions like prostatitis or BPH.

Imaging Tests

A transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) uses sound waves to create images of the prostate. In some cases, a multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) is used to get more detailed information and help identify suspicious areas for biopsy.

Additional Tests

If cancer is confirmed, further tests such as CT scans, bone scans, or PET scans may be done to check if the cancer has spread beyond the prostate. These are typically used for higher-risk or advanced-stage cases.

Prostate Biopsy

A biopsy is the definitive way to diagnose prostate cancer. During this procedure, small samples of prostate tissue are collected, usually guided by ultrasound or MRI, and examined under a microscope to detect cancer cells.

Treatment: How to treat Prostate Cancer?

Prostate Cancer Treatment Includes:

Surgery (Radical Prostatectomy): Complete removal of the prostate gland, along with the seminal vesicles and sometimes nearby lymph nodes.
Radiation Therapy: External or internal radiation used to kill cancer cells, such as External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) that directs radiation to the prostate.
Brachytherapy (Internal Radiation Therapy): Radioactive seeds or pellets are surgically placed directly into the prostate gland, delivering a high dose of radiation.
Focal Therapy: These are newer, less common, and often experimental approaches that target only the cancerous tissue, minimizing damage to healthy tissue.
Cryotherapy: Uses extreme cold to freeze and destroy cancer cells.
Laser Ablation and Photodynamic Therapy: Other methods using heat or light to destroy cancer.

Systemic Treatments (for high-risk cancer)

These treatments work throughout the body to target cancer cells.

Hormone Therapy (Androgen Deprivation Therapy—ADT): Prostate cancer cells often depend on male hormones (androgens, primarily testosterone) to grow. Hormone therapy aims to lower androgen levels or block their effects.
Chemotherapy: Targets fast-growing cancer cells, often in late stages. It's used for advanced prostate cancer.
Targeted Therapy: Drugs that specifically target genetic mutations or pathways that are driving cancer growth, such as BRCA gene mutations.
Immunotherapy: Helps the body's immune system recognize and fight cancer cells. specific immunotherapies like sipuleucel-T (Provenge, a cellular vaccine) and checkpoint inhibitors (e.g., pembrolizumab for specific genetic features) are approved for certain advanced prostate cancer cases.

How does Dendritic cell-based Immunotherapy work?

Step	What Happens
1. Blood Collection	About 20 ml of your blood is taken. It contains immune cells needed to make the treatment.
2. Growing Immune Cells	Special immune cells are separated from your blood and grown in the lab to become dendritic cells.
3. Teaching the Cells	These lab-grown cells are shown proteins from your cancer, so they can learn to find and attack it.
4. Boosting the Cells	The cells are activated using special agents to make them ready to activate your immune system.
5. Giving the Treatment	The final dose is given to you through an IV drip. It takes around 20 minutes.

Prostate Cancer Statistics

Feature	Global (2022)	India (2022)
New Cases	~1.47 million new cases; ASIR ~29.4/100k (males); 2nd most common cancer in men globally	~37,948 new cases; ASIR ~5.6/100k (males); among top 5–10 cancers in Indian men; rising in urban areas
Deaths	~397,430 deaths; 8th leading cause of cancer death globally in men	~18,386 deaths; deaths rising with late-stage diagnosis, despite better detection in cities
Age & Gender	Affects men aged 65+; rare under 40	Mostly in urban men aged 65+; rising cases in men aged 50–60 due to screening
Hotspots	High rates in North America, Europe, Australia, and the Caribbean	Higher in Delhi, Mumbai, Kerala, Bengaluru, Chennai—hotspots due to PSA testing and lifestyle factors
Rural vs Urban	More are detected in urban, developed regions due to access	Urban men are diagnosed more due to PSA testing; rural men are underdiagnosed or diagnosed late
5-Year Survival	~97% overall (developed nations); >99% in early stages; ~32–37% if metastatic	~64% in India overall; much lower in late-stage cases, especially in rural/low-resource settings
Common Type	Adenocarcinoma (~95%)	Same in India; linked to aging, obesity, diabetes, and PSA-based detection

Why choose Denvax?

No Surgery or Chemotherapy Required: A non-invasive option for those who wish to avoid traditional treatments.
Minimal Side Effects: Gentle on the body, unlike conventional therapies.
Targeted Approach: Attacks only cancer cells without harming healthy ones.
Personalized Therapy: Tailored according to each patient’s cancer profile and condition.
Suitable for Non-surgical Candidates: Ideal for patients ineligible for surgery due to age or health conditions.

Frequently asked questions

Who is at risk of developing prostate cancer?

Men over 50, especially those with a family history of prostate or breast cancer, African ancestry, and those with sedentary lifestyles or high-fat diets, are at higher risk.

What is PSA, and why is it important?

PSA, or prostate-specific antigen, is a protein produced by the prostate. Elevated levels in the blood can indicate prostate cancer or other prostate issues. Regular PSA testing can help with early detection, especially for those at higher risk.

Is immunotherapy a cure for prostate cancer?

It has a very positive effect on this cancer type; results may vary, and many patients have seen tumor shrinkage or slowed progression, especially when treated early.

Are there lifestyle changes that can reduce the risk?

Yes, eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, limiting red meat and processed foods, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption.

What are the treatment options for advanced prostate cancer?

Options include hormone therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Treatment depends on cancer progression and the patient’s overall health.

Does prostate cancer affect sexual health or fertility?

Treatments for prostate cancer, such as surgery or radiation, can affect sexual function and fertility. Patients need to discuss potential side effects with their doctor. In some cases, options like sperm banking or therapy for sexual health can help address these concerns.

Prostate Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment