With the cancer survival rate increasing, now life after treatment has become more significant. Therefore, Korea is improving the quality of life of patients by eradicating cancer through the latest cancer treatment technologies, which are proven to be safe and effective. We introduce you to the newest cancer treatment technology that is leading to the advancement of the Korean medical community. <Editor’s note>
Being diagnosed with prostate cancer makes the hearts of middle-aged men who dream for a bright second life to sink. According to the latest 2017 cancer registration statistics by the Korea Central Cancer Registry of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, prostate cancer has surpassed liver cancer and rose to fourth place in men’s cancer.
Fortunately, due to the development of medical technology, treating prostate cancer by laparoscopic surgery and robotic surgery instead of open surgery promoted fast recovery and a great reduction in the risk of complications such as urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction.
The genitourinary cancer center of the Samsung Medical Center considers a patient’s quality of life and actively performs robotic surgery and has treated 10,537 patients with robotic surgery in 2018. The results of treatment are encouraging as well. According to the center, the relative survival rate in 5 years was 101.6%, which is higher than the average rate in Korea and the U.S. (98% between 2009 to 2015).
Besides, the center has been improving the quality of life for prostate cancer patients by using high-intensity focused ultrasound, HIFU. HIFU treatment is a method of destroying cancer cells by inserting HIFU equipment into the body through the anus and then generating more than 80 degrees of heat.
Surgery is a fundamental treatment for prostate cancer, but HIFU can be an effective alternative for patients with localized prostate cancer or those who cannot have surgery due to age or comorbidity.
Dr. Seong-soo Jeon, the head of the center said, “In 2004, our hospital introduced Korea’s first HIFU treatment and has had more than 15 years of HIFU treatment experience. HIFU treatment hardly brings pain, treats simply at once, and preserves urination and sexual function most effectively.” This implies that patients in the early stages of cancer have a high preference for it since there is no limitation on retreatment.
Recently, the center has introduced a second-generation HIFU machine (new model by EDAP-TMS, a French company), adding a boost to the treatment. According to the center, the new equipment enables live video confirmation during treatment based on MRI fused videos and automatically detect rectum walls with ultrasonic waves to exactly pinpoint where to treat.
Currently, the center is the only hospital that performs perineum biopsy together with HIFU treatment. Perineum biopsy can discover hidden cancer that was not found in other biopsies, which is effective in diagnosing and managing prostate cancer as well as screening patients who need active observation and local treatment.
Dr. Jeon expressed a determined resolution, “We are putting effort into improving quality of life for patients by performing the best treatment for genitourinary cancer including prostate cancer. We will approach patients with better therapies by promoting endless research and surgical advancements.”
