Bryan Mehlhaff, MD, medical director of research for Oregon Urology Institute, discusses the ways in which the treatment landscape in prostate cancer has evolved in recent years.

Approximately 8 years ago, Mehlhaff says, urologists used to administer hormone therapy to these patients, as well as first generation receptor blockers, and overall, there were not many efficacious treatment options.

Now, though, oncologists have managed to literally double the life expectancy of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Moreover, Mehlhaff explains, those are quality added years, not just life extension. He says he often tells his patients that, while it may not be ideal to be diagnosed with this disease, the plethora of treatment options now available hold promise for their future health.

Mehlhaff also emphasizes the notion that every urologist is capable of understanding how to treat patients with advanced prostate cancer. As the landscape evolves, urologists must adapt to these new ways of thinking about the disease as a continuing, hormone-sensitive cancer.

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Dr. Mehlhaff on the Evolution of the Treatment Landscape in Prostate Cancer

Bryan A. Mehlhaff, MD, from the Oregon Urology Institute, discusses prostate cancer screening guidelines.

Mehlhaff says that he was involved with establishing the LUGPA prostate screening guidelines, which he believes will be beneficial to community oncologists.

There is a role for screening a man in his 40s, Mehlhaff says, in order to acquire baseline PSA levels. PSA testing should then remain on a scheduled regimen through a man’s 50s and 60s and until he reaches 10-year life expectancy. There is a vast amount of evidence and rational science to back these guidelines up, Mehlhaff says.

Mehlhaff understands the concerns about the overtreatment of prostate cancer, though he asserts that it is an entirely separate issue from screening.

Bryan A. Mehlhaff, MD

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Dr. Mehlhaff on the Evolution of the Treatment Landscape in Prostate Cancer

Dr. Mehlhaff on Prostate Cancer Screening Guidelines