Prostate cancer is a silent killer that can be cured

‘Prostate cancer is a relatively silent disease in its early stages. typically, symptoms like obstructed or too frequent urination, blood in the urine or other symptoms spread to other parts of the body like bone pain later in the course of the disease. Fortunately, we have ways to screen even symptomatic patients for the disease, to catch the disease in the early stages and prevent progression.”

so said Dr. Josefino Castillo, surgeon and head of st. Luke’s Medical Center (SLMC) Institute of Urology in Global City.

Prostate cancer is the fifth leading cancer site and the third leading cause of cancer deaths among Filipino males according to the 202 data from the Global Cancer observatory. the Philippine Cancer society in 2015 said that about six out of 10 cases are diagnosed in men aged 65 or older.

the prostate is an important reproductive gland found in men and plays a vital role in the nourishment and transportation of seminal fluid. Given the prevalence of this disease and the ways it can be caught early before progression, Filipino men need reliable health-care partners to guide them through health education, screening, diagnosis, and treatment.

Trained specialists

through its highly trained urologists and advanced medical technology, st. Luke’s Institute of Urology is highly equipped to detect, diagnose and provide advanced treatment of prostate cancer for years.

Its surgeons are highly equipped to manage prostate cancer in all of its stages, especially in stages amenable to surgical treatment, such as prostatectomy, or the removal of the prostate gland.

a patient who has benefited from SLMC’S expertise is Jhune san Jose, a father of four and a stage two prostate cancer survivor. though based in singapore, he chose to return to the Philippines to undergo robot-assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy (r ALP) at SLMC.

“I have done my own research and st. Luke’s has one of the highest success rates in this kind of operation. [ralp] is less invasive and offers a very quick recovery. that’s why I went for it and I’m very confident it will be a success,” san Jose said.

“Being robot-assisted, it’s the technology now, everything is moving in that direction so I strongly believe we should go with the highest technology available. It makes me confident that I am lucky as well that we have this technology during this time I have to undergo this surgery,” he said.

Minimally invasive approach

ralp is considered a minimally invasive approach to the procedure of radical prostatectomy, which is the removal of a malignant prostate gland. It is currently the most advanced surgical procedure and gold standard in treating prostate cancer.

During the procedure, a surgeon operates several robotic arms that make small yet highly precise incisions, providing minimal scarring, less blood loss, and earlier recovery for the patient. studies have also shown that compared to conventional approaches, ralp also provides better recovery of erectile function and urinary continence postprostate removal.

Prior to his ralp procedure, san Jose also underwent Koelis Mri/ultrasound Fusion Biopsy at st. Luke’s. Koelis, an advanced biopsy technique which makes use of MRI images fused with ultrasound guidance, goes hand-in-hand with ralp because it is an advanced screening procedure that accurately detects suspicious areas in the prostate. this facilitates targeted biopsy of these areas for more accurate diagnosis.

“Prostate cancer, unlike other cancers, can be detectable at its earliest stages, even among patients with no symptoms, which is why we encourage our patients to get screened and if necessary, to undergo a biopsy,” said Dr. Diosdado Limjoco, head of SLMC Institute of Urology in Quezon City.

he said that Koelis Mri/ultrasound Fusion Biopsy of the prostate allows better outcomes.

“It allows more targeted biopsies, more accurate diagnosis, and because of its technique, a lower risk for post-procedural infection,” he added.