In 2014, prostate cancer was the leading cause of newly diagnosed cancers in men and the second leading cause of cancer death in men. How often should men have a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test? If treatment is needed, what options are available?

Prostate cancer research has led to new ways to detect, diagnose and treat the disease. In the clinic, genomic testing helps identify high-risk tumors from those that do not require immediate treatment. Novel imaging techniques, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology combined with traditional ultrasound exam, improve three-dimensional mapping of the prostate and improves detection. Restriction Spectrum imaging-MRI, a non-invasive imaging method, developed at UC San Diego Health, more accurately assesses the local extent of a tumor and possibly predicts the grade of the tumor. A recent study showed promise in extending survival in advanced disease when hormone therapy is combined with chemotherapy in early treatment.

Christopher Kane, MD, chair of the Department of Urology at UC San Diego Health, is an internationally recognized prostate cancer specialist and researcher. Kane and other urologic oncologists with Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health are available throughout September to discuss the latest options in prostate cancer diagnosis and care.