Gary Kirsh, MD, president of The Urology Group and the Large Urology Group Practice Association (LUGPA), discusses advancements in diagnosing patients with prostate cancer.

In terms of diagnosing prostate cancer, it has become easier to determine who needs an invasive procedure such as a prostate biopsy, explains Kirsh. For example, there are tests, such as PCA3, 4Kscore, and Prostate Health Index score, used to better determine whether an elevated prostate-specific antigen is meaningful before you do a biopsy.

By utilizing these advancements, the aim is to avoid invasive prostate biopsies if possible, states Kirsh. Furthermore, by improving the accuracy of the biopsies, such as with MRI fusion technology, a patient does not need to endure multiple biopsies.

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Dr. Kirsh on Advancements in Diagnosing Prostate Cancer

Gary Kirsh, MD, President of The Urology Group and the Large Urology Group Practice Association (LUGPA), discusses this exciting phase in prostate cancer care. Kirsh shared his insights during an interview with 

Kirsh says while experts thought prostate cancer care was rapidly advancing 5 or 6 years ago, the next few years will be even more exciting, with new oral androgen receptor agents, PARP inhibitors coming forward, and perhaps new immunotherapies.

While there have been several new agents made available in the past 4 or 5 years, Kirsh says he believes the number of products will more than double in the next 5 years.

Gary Kirsh, MD, President of The Urology Group and the Large Urology Group Practice Association (LUGPA), discusses this exciting phase in prostate cancer care. Kirsh shared his insights during an interview with OncLive at the 2016 LUGPA Annual Meeting.

Dr. Gary Kirsh on This Exciting Phase in Prostate Cancer Care

Gary Kirsh, MD, president of The Urology Group and the Large Urology Group Practice Association (LUGPA), discusses the future of treatment for prostate cancer.

Localized prostate cancer continues to be treated using robotic surgery and radiation therapy, but advancements have recently been made in treatment for advanced prostate cancer.

Several agents have been approved since 2010 for advanced prostate cancer, including immunotherapy, targeting agents, and hormonal therapy. Additional agents are also anticipated to be approved soon, Kirsh adds.

In the future, Kirsh says that he sees urologists being increasingly involved in advanced prostate cancer. Urologists in LUGPA have the wherewithal and infrastructure to put together pathways and algorithms for prostate cancer treatments, Kirsh says.

Gary Kirsh, MD

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Dr. Kirsh on Advancements in Diagnosing Prostate Cancer

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