Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial
PCPT FAQ
The Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial has run its prescribed course of seven years for many of the patients who entered the study. The critical end point of the study is histologic evidence of prostate cancer. This is determined by an end of study biopsy. Thus far, approximately 60 of the 400 men who enrolled in the trial have had a biopsy. The biopsy is done with local anesthesia to reduce discomfort. A photographic depiction of the equipment (figure 1) and the methodology for anesthetizing and biopsying (figure 2 & 3) by ultrasound guidance is demonstrated.
Several of the biopsies that have been obtained did show evidence of carcinoma. These patients are counseled with regard to the various treatment options. A new option currently available is removal of the prostate by laparoscopic means. Therefore, the patients have a wide choice of possibilities ranging from an open prostatectomy, which is performed through an incision made either from the belly-button to the pubic symphysis in the lower abdomen, or in the perineum which is the space between the scrotum and the anus. They also have the option of surgical removal by laparoscopic prostatectomy. Radiation therapy may be delivered by traditional external beam or placement of numerous radioactive sources (seed implants) in the prostate.
Over the next three years information concerning the outcome of this trial will become available.
(Paul F. Schellhammer, M.D.)
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