April 02, 2020

06: Prostate Cancer Markers - Individualized Patient Care in the Early Detection Diagnosis and Treatment Choices for Prostate Cancer- E David Crawford, MD

23 minutes

We have Dr. E. David Crawford, an internationally renowned urologist, joining us today. Dr.Crawford is an expert in benign prostate hyperplasia, urologic cancers, and prostate cancer in particular. In today's episode, we will be discussing prostate cancer markers, which are making an impact on the world of prostate cancer by helping to individualize patient care and the early detection, diagnosis, and treatment choices for prostate cancer.

Dr. Crawford has been the recipient of more than 95 research grants, he has authored over 600 published articles, and he has contributed to nearly 100 education books. In a bid to raise awareness and education about prostate health, Dr. Crawford founded and is the current chairman of the Prostate Conditions Education Council.

The Prostate Conditions Education Council is a non-profit organization that is responsible for reaching an average of 400 million people each year with education and awareness information on prostate cancer and men's health issues. Dr. Crawford's involvement in the national prostate cancer arena has been widely recognized and he is often requested to act as an educator or speaker, and participate in advisory boards and review research.

Tune in today, to find out what Dr. Crawford has to say about prostate cancer markers.

Today's show was recorded at the 30th Annual International Prostate Cancer Update, which was founded and organized by Dr. Crawford.

Disclaimer: The Prostate Health Podcast is for informational purposes only. Nothing in this podcast should be construed as medical advice. By listening to the podcast, no physician-patient relationship has been formed. For more information and counseling, you must contact your personal physician or urologist with questions about your unique situation.

Show Highlights:

Dr. Crawford talks about tests, other than the PSA, which are now available for patients for the early detection of prostate cancer.
The PSA is a great test, and it's our first line of defense against prostate cancer, but it's not perfect. So although it is a way to detect prostate cancer, it still needs to be more refined.
Biomarkers have become a game-changer. Dr. Crawford explains where they are playing a big role in the early detection of prostate cancer.
Biomarkers can be from the urine, serum, tissue, and other modalities.
Urine or tissue-based biomarkers are mainly used to detect prostate cancer.
The abnormal level for PSA has been modified down to 1.5. So anything less than that would indicate that you're safe.
Dr. Crawford explains what the SelectMDx test is looking for, and how it's done.
If you have a SelectMDx test and it comes back negative, there's a ninety-eight percent chance that you don't have aggressive prostate cancer.
Some of these tests are covered by medical insurance companies.
Dr. Crawford talks about biopsies and he explains what the ConfirmMDx test does.
Some tests that might help to determine who would be at low risk for cancer and might benefit from some active surveillance, versus someone who would need treatment, after having had a positive biopsy.
Dr. Crawford discusses the tests and treatments for patients who have tested positive for low-grade cancers.
What the future holds for the testing and treatment of prostate cancer.
Genetics is a hot topic right now. Dr. Crawford talks about genetics, genomics, germline mutations, and the treatment of prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer is still the most common cancer in men.

Links and resources:

Dr. Crawford's website - https://www.edavidcrawford.com/

To get your free What To Expect Guide, go to www.prostatehealthpodcast/clinic

Or find the link on our podcast website - www.prostatehealthpodcast.com

Some educational websites on prostate cancer:

www.pcmarkers.com

Prostate Conditions Education Council - https://www.prostateconditions.org/

NCI (National Cancer Institute) - https://www.cancer.gov/

Mayo Clinic - https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prostate-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20353087

UCLA - https://www.uclahealth.org/urology/prostate-cancer/about-us

Cleveland Clinic Prostate Cancer Risk Calculator - https://www.clevelandclinic.org/lp/prostate-cancer-risk-assessment/index.html

MD Anderson Cancer Center - https://www.mdanderson.org/cancer-types/prostate-cancer.html

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By Garrett Pohlman, MD

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