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Prostate Cancer Treatment in Germany

photo of prostate cancer doctor in Germany

Prostate cancer is an oncological disease in which a malignant tumor forms in the tissue of a man's prostate gland. It is the third most commonly detected pathology after lung and stomach cancer. Most often it is diagnosed after 50 years of age, but it can appear earlier. Prostate cancer treatment in Germany is a chance for complete recovery or stable remission. In German clinics, both surgical treatment and innovative therapy are possible.

Difficulties in Treating Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer (PC) is a disease that is difficult to diagnose early. In the initial stages of development, it does not manifest itself in any way. The causes of the pathology are not fully understood. It is assumed that heredity, age, and race play a role.

Other factors that increase the risk of the disease:

  • vitamin D deficiency;
  • long-term treatment with testosterone preparations;
  • consumption of food rich in animal fats;
  • previous vasectomy.

On the contrary, following a diet with low and moderate content of animal fats, consuming food with carotenoids, phytoestrogens, and selenium reduces the risk of tumor development in men.

Symptoms of the Pathology

In 90% of cases, prostate cancer is represented by adenocarcinoma — damage to glandular cells. Less commonly, other types are diagnosed — squamous cell, transitional cell, and undifferentiated cancer.

The disease develops gradually and goes through seven successive stages. The degree of pathology serves as the main factor for determining therapy tactics.

  1. The tumor does not manifest itself in any way and can be discovered accidentally. Its size does not exceed 2 cm in diameter. About 5% of glandular cells are affected.
  2. The tumor increases to 2-5 cm. The lesion can be unilateral or bilateral.
  3. Atypical cells grow deeper and deeper. Sizes exceed 5 cm. Seminal vesicles may be affected.
  4. The malignant tumor is found within the prostate, on the neck of the gland, bladder sphincter, and rectum.
  5. Single metastases form in the lymphatic system.
  6. Multiple metastases form in the lymphatic system.
  7. Metastases are present not only in lymph nodes but also in other organs and tissues.

There are no specific symptoms of prostate cancer. A man may complain of the following signs:

  • frequent urination;
  • feeling of incomplete bladder emptying;
  • urinary incontinence;
  • burning during ejaculation;
  • pulling pains in the groin area and lower back;
  • blood in urine;
  • erectile dysfunction.

Stages of Prostate Cancer

stages of prostate cancer

The listed symptoms may be mistaken for other organ pathologies — prostate adenoma or prostatitis. To exclude the possibility of error, thorough diagnosis is needed — manual and instrumental examination, as well as tissue sampling for biopsy.

Prostate Cancer Diagnosis

As a rule, patients come to German clinics with an already established diagnosis, but if necessary, a biopsy will be performed in Germany. Doctors evaluate the degree of tumor malignancy according to the Gleason scale, according to which points are assigned to biopsy material:

  • less than 6 points — slowly progressing, non-aggressive cancer;
  • 7 points — moderate degree of aggressiveness;
  • 8-10 points — aggressive form with high risk of metastasis formation.
diagnosis

For the diagnosis of prostate cancer and determination of the disease stage, Germany uses the latest expert-class equipment. Available to patients:

  • transrectal ultrasound;
  • magnetic resonance imaging;
  • computed tomography;
  • positron emission tomography with PSMA — a special radiopharmaceutical for diagnosing prostate tumors.

In Germany, a screening test is performed — determination of the PSA level (prostate-specific antigen) in the patient's blood. It is a protein normally produced by prostate cells in moderate amounts. When its concentration increases, specialists conclude there are elevated risks of organ pathologies.

One of the methods for diagnosing prostate cancer is biopsy. The method involves taking a tissue sample and further examination. With traditional prostate biopsy performed only under ultrasound guidance, difficulties may arise. Ultrasound does not always allow seeing suspicious areas with atypical cells.

In German clinics, for the most accurate diagnosis, fusion biopsy is performed — a procedure that allows detecting cancer at an early stage. This is a safe method, thanks to which doctors manage to combine MRI and ultrasound images. The specialist sees areas where the neoplasm is presumably located and controls it at the time of biomaterial collection. This approach reduces the risk of obtaining false negative results.

Treatment Tactics

In Germany, all available treatment methods are practiced — chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgical removal of tumors. Advanced technologies are actively being implemented. The equipment of oncology centers allows performing minimally invasive interventions and robot-assisted operations, as well as abandoning methods that cause side effects in favor of gentler procedures.

Surgical Method

patient on table

If it is impossible to preserve the affected organ, German specialists perform radical removal of the gland. Prostatectomy involves surgical removal of the organ itself, as well as adjacent affected lymph nodes and tissues. The method is used for advanced cancer when conservative treatment is ineffective. 

Surgical treatment in German clinics is performed using the Da Vinci robotic system. This equipment allows:

  • minimizing damage to healthy tissues;
  • accelerating the rehabilitation period after surgery;
  • reducing the risk of complications;
  • reducing blood loss.

The Da Vinci system allows removing the tumor without open surgery through five small incisions. It is one of the most accurate techniques that excludes the "shaking hands" effect. Such operations do not cause complications or side effects. Patients retain erectile function and normal urination.

Chemotherapy for Prostate Cancer

Malignant cells in prostate cancer are poorly sensitive even to powerful anticancer drugs, so chemotherapy is used as an auxiliary treatment method. Additionally, the patient may be recommended traditional drug therapy. For prostate cancer, the following are used:

  • luteinizing hormone antagonists;
  • estrogens;
  • antiandrogens.

Drug therapy in Germany is an opportunity to use modern drugs of non-steroidal origin, including Enzalutamide. This substance blocks androgen receptors but causes fewer side effects than its hormonal analogues.

Innovative Methods

CyberKnife technology

German specialists regularly improve their qualifications and master new therapy methods. German clinics offer patients advanced techniques for quickly achieving results with minimal health risks. Each method has its own criteria.

One of the effective modern methods of treating prostate cancer is CyberKnife technology. It is an alternative to surgical tumor removal in case it is in a hard-to-reach place. Atypical cells are irradiated using the CyberKnife radiosurgical system. It is an absolutely painless procedure performed without incisions. This approach does not require hospitalization. A man can be treated and lead his usual lifestyle.

Another modern method for treating malignant prostate neoplasms is HIFU therapy. The doctor uses a device that focuses ultrasound waves at a specific point. Tissues in the treated area are heated to 70-80 degrees, which leads to instant destruction of atypical cells.

Advantages of HIFU therapy:

  • no need for hospitalization;
  • treatment without anesthesia and incisions;
  • quick recovery;
  • possibility of multiple sessions without harm to health.

As an alternative to traditional radiation therapy, a special type is used in Germany — proton therapy. The impact on the tumor is carried out by means of ionizing particles. They specifically affect atypical cells without affecting healthy tissues. The radiation dose is selected by the doctor individually, taking into account the stage of the disease. Hospitalization and rehabilitation after treatment are not required.

Another method for treating prostate cancer is brachytherapy (implantation of a radioactive microsource). Under anesthesia, structures enriched with radioactive iodine, no larger than a grain of rice, are introduced into the prostate tissue through hollow needles. The course of the operation is controlled using ultrasound and pulsed fluoroscopy. Then the patient undergoes a course of radiation therapy. Under the influence of irradiation, the destruction of atypical prostate cells begins.

Advantages of brachytherapy:

  • possibility of outpatient treatment without hospitalization;
  • low risk of damage by radioactive elements to adjacent healthy organs;
  • no complications after surgery — preservation of potency and normal urination;
  • minimal burden on the patient's body.

Treatment Cost in German Clinics

The price for prostate cancer treatment in oncology centers in Germany varies depending on a number of factors:

  • stage of the disease;
  • degree of tumor malignancy;
  • chosen treatment method;
  • length of stay in the clinic.

You can find approximate prices for services at German medical centers in the table.

Service Name Price, € Additional

Second opinion (in-person consultation)

450 euros

1 day (with full diagnostic package)

Nerve-sparing prostatectomy

13 - 17 thousand euros

7-10 days

Radical prostatectomy

23 thousand euros

7 days

Prostate MRI

1100 euros

3 hours

Clinic Selection

Treatment in Germany means:

  • specialists of the highest category;
  • advanced technologies for treatment without surgery;
  • the latest equipment for diagnosis and therapy;
  • comfortable hospitals;
  • rehabilitation program after surgical intervention;
  • world treatment success rate — 75%.

If you want to undergo treatment in leading German clinics specializing in oncology, contact us. Get an expert assessment of your case from leading oncologists. We will prepare, translate, and send your documents to doctors for review. You will receive several offers from German clinics and decide yourself where you will undergo therapy. Our company takes care of all organizational matters.

Ludwig Maximilian University Hospital Munich

9.7/10
📍Germany, Munich

29 specialized clinics, 12 specialized institutes, 50 interdisciplinary centers.

After Berlin's Charité, the Munich University Hospital with the Innenstadt and Großhadern campus is the largest maximum care medical complex in Germany.

Technical University Clinic "Rechts der Isar"

9.8/10
📍Germany, Munich

Department of Hematology and Oncology

The Department of Hematology and Oncology offers a full range of diagnostic and therapeutic services in these fields. The highly qualified team of doctors provides patients with effective treatment of all oncological diseases, blood and lymph pathologies (e.g., leukemia, multiple myeloma).

Munich Municipal Clinics

📍München, Germany

5 separate clinics with common management

A network of multidisciplinary clinics located in five districts of Munich. They provide a high-class range of medical services. The municipal clinics are academic clinics of both Munich universities.
Bogenhausen Clinic
Harlaching Clinic
Neuperlach Clinic
Schwabing Clinic
Thalkirchner Clinic

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Cancer treatment in Germany means:
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High-precision research methods

treatment

Comprehensive approach to treatment

clinic equipment

New surgical techniques

without recurrences and complications

Low complication rate

most complex medical cases

Treatment of complex cases

therapy

High therapy effectiveness

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Patient Relations Specialist Svetlana Malygina Your questions will be answered by Patient Relations Specialist Svetlana Malygina