When prostate cancer is confirmed, the therapeutic scheme depends on several factors, including the histological type and stage of the cancer, the patient’s overall condition, and the patient’s preferences. German hospitals offer comprehensive schemes for prostate malignancies, from watchful waiting to novel surgeries and metastases destruction with radiopharmaceuticals. Non-residents can start prostate cancer treatment in Germany with the help of medical tourism provider Booking Health.
Early-stage cancer
Under certain circumstances, you may consider watchful waiting or active surveillance as treatment options for prostate cancer. These approaches are usually recommended for patients who have low-risk prostate cancer, which means the cancer is slow-growing and not likely to spread quickly.
In addition, if you are opposed to surgery or other treatments because of concerns about possible side effects or for other subjective reasons, you have the right to discuss and consider watchful waiting or active surveillance with your healthcare provider.
Your medical team will closely monitor the cancer through regular diagnostics: check-ups, PSA tests, and possibly repeat biopsies. If the cancer shows signs of progression or becomes a higher risk, you will shift to a different treatment approach, such as surgery or radiation therapy.
Radical prostatectomy (surgery to remove the prostate gland) is an option for early-stage prostate cancer that is confined to the prostate and has not spread to other parts of the body. In Germany, Laparoscopic surgery with robotic assistance (da Vinci surgery) is used to ensure faster recovery and normal urinary and sexual function. In addition, a gamma probe can be used to detect affected lymph nodes during surgery.
Early-stage prostate cancers can also be treated mostly with radiation therapy.
Advanced cancer
Treatment for prostate cancer with metastases includes a wider range of options. These are:
- Hormone therapy. Androgens—male hormones—are necessary for prostate cancer cells to thrive. Hormone treatment seeks to reduce these hormones’ levels or prevent their effects, which slows the growth of cancer.
- Chemotherapy. The standard treatment for prostate cancer that has metastasized to other organs is chemotherapy.
- sImmunotherapy. Cancer vaccines, such as sipuleucel-T, are used to stimulate the body’s immune system to target malignant cells. Checkpoint inhibitors have also been tested in clinical trials for advanced prostate tumors.
- Targeted therapy. Targeted therapy is designed to target specific abnormalities in cancer cells and block their growth and spread. These are PARP inhibitors and tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Clinical trials are also investigating new targeted therapies for prostate tumors.
PSMA therapy with Lutetium-177 or Actinium-225 is the most advanced option for men with distant metastases. Molecular carriers with radiopharmaceuticals Lutetium-177 or Actinium-225 find malignant foci throughout the body, accumulate in them and gradually destroy them. For men with bone metastases, therapy with Radium-223 is recommended.
Choosing hospital in Germany
Obviously, a patient needs the experience of a qualified healthcare professional to choose a treatment option and fight the disease effectively. On the Booking Health website you will find the list of the best prostate cancer clinics and doctors, as well as the information about available treatments. Costs for complex medical programs and prices for separate procedures are also mentioned.
You can research the information yourself or request a free consultation with a Booking Health medical advisor. After filling out the “Need Help” form, you will receive all-inclusive medical, organizational and travel assistance.