Glossary List
Precision Medicine
Using genetic and biomarker information to select the most appropriate treatments for individual patients.
PSMA
Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen, a protein found on prostate cancer cells.
Biomarkers
Radiopharmaceuticals
Radioactive drugs that target cancer cells throughout the body
Castrate-Resistant Prostate Cancer (CRPC)
Treatment options include:
- New generation hormone therapies
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Clinical trials
Hot Flashes
Sudden feelings of warmth, often with sweating and reddening of the skin.
Metastasis
The spread of cancer from its original site to other parts of the body
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
A non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that commonly occurs with age, in which the prostate grows and pushes against the urethra and the bladder blocking the flow of urine. There is an abnormal multiplication of the non-malignant prostate cells..
Genetic (Germline) Testing
Genetic testing for prostate cancer involves analyzing a person’s DNA to identify specific inherited mutations that may increase the risk of developing prostate cancer or affect treatment choices. This type of testing can provide valuable information for both patients and their families.
Pathology Results
Screening Tests
Genomic (Somatic) Testing
Genomic testing for prostate cancer is the testing of cancer cells themselves to identify mutations that occurred during cancer development. The results can help predict how likely a tumor is to spread, how aggressively it will grow, and the risk of recurrence after surgery.
Surgery (Radical Prostatectomy)
Surgical removal of all or part of the prostate gland.
Chemotherapy
Radiation Therapy
Treatment using high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.
Bone-related Treatment
Fusion (MRI guided) biopsy
An MRI fused ultrasound biopsy of the prostate is a procedure that combines MRI and ultrasound images to create a 3D model of the prostate, which helps doctors more precisely target suspicious areas for biopsy
Grade Group
Grade and Stage of cancer
Gleason Score (Basic)
A grading system used to determine the aggressiveness of prostate cancer, ranging from 6 to 10.
PI-RADS (PIRADS)
Active Surveillance
Active Surveillance is an approach in which a you and your medical provider actively monitor your condition, allowing time to pass before medical intervention or therapy is used. During this time, repeated testing may be performed - regular PSA testing and MRIs.
Erectile Disfunction (ED)
Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection sufficient for sexual activity.
Bone Scan
Incontinence
Loss of bladder control ranging from mild leakage to complete loss of control.
Immunotherapy
Treatments that help the immune system fight cancer cells
HIFU (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound)
Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) or Hormone Therapy (HT)
Treatment that reduces levels of male hormones (androgens) to slow cancer growth.
Biopsy
Samples of tissue are taken from the body to be examined microscopically to ascertain if cancer is present. A pathologist grades the samples and assigns a score or grade to indicate the severity of the cancer (if any).
Gleason Score (Detail)
Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)
A Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) is the medical name for the infamous finger probe! A health care provider inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum and examines the prostate for any irregularities in size, shape and texture.
Free PSA
PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen)
PSA, or prostate-specific antigen, is a protein produced by the prostate that can be measured through a blood test. A higher than usual level of PSA in your blood usually indicates that further tests for prostate cancer are warranted.