Alternative treatment

Trans Perineal Microwave Ablation of the Prostate (TAP)
This experimental treatment is being developed at the University of Toronto. This technique applies microwave energy to the prostate through ultrasound placed needles. The prostate is heated such that all cancer is killed. This treatment has been used in patients with failed radiation therapy and in whom there is no evidence of spread. The early results suggest that patients may still be cured with this outpatient procedure. Side effects are minimal.

Cryosurgery
Cryosurgery (also called cryotherapy) is the use of extreme cold to destroy cancer cells. Traditionally, it has been used to treat external tumors, such as those on the skin, but recently some physicians have begun using it as a treatment for tumors that occur inside the body. Cryosurgery for internal tumors is increasing as a result of developments in technology over the past several years.
While initial results of cryosurgical treatment are encouraging, researchers have not yet drawn any solid conclusions regarding its long-term effectiveness.

Green Tea
Researchers have known for years that the incidence of prostate cancer is considerably lower in Asian countries. One possible explanation advanced by scientists is the high consumption of plant foods among Asian populations. Another is the growing number of laboratory studies indicating that green tea — the most popular tea in China, Japan and other Asian countries — has anti-tumor effects.

Chemotherapy
Non specific anticancer drug given by pill or intravenous injection. Usually given when hormone therapy has failed. Several forms of this treatment have proven successful in decreasing painful sites of cancer spread. There are many new and exciting drugs being investigated in clinical trials at many hospitals throughout the country. The hope is that one or combinations of these treatments will slow or eliminate prostate cancer.

Gene Therapy
The aim of gene therapy is to alter the tumor or the patient such that the cancer can be eliminated more easily. Many types of gene therapy have been tried. At The Toronto Hospital we have used a virus to transport a gene (IL2) into the prostate before radical surgery in patients who have a likelihood of failing surgery. One injection in the prostate is given 4 weeks before surgery. Early results suggest that this treatment may stimulate the body to kill small amounts of cancer cells that may have escaped from the prostate. One hopes that this or other treatments like this might convert a failed operation into a successful treatment.

Complementary Nutrition Therapy
There is a growing body of evidence that suggests diet may be related to prostate cancer. A diet that is low in fat may help to prevent the growth of prostate cancer. Research has shown that tumours grown in the laboratory grow faster when the amount of fat in the diet was 40.5%, and grew more slowly with a 21% fat content.
The average North American diet contains 40% fat. This is significantly higher than Asian countries, and consistent with tumour growth in laboratory studies. For more information about the role of diet in prostate cancer visit the Support section of this site.

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