Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men globally and is rising steadily across Asia due to aging populations, lifestyle changes, and better diagnostic capabilities. While incidence remains lower than in Western countries, mortality rates are relatively higher in many Asian regions due to late detection. This article explores prostate cancer treatments in Asia—surgery, radiotherapy, hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, and emerging targeted therapies.
Prostate Cancer in Asia: Epidemiology
- Global incidence: More than 1.4 million men diagnosed annually.
- Asia’s numbers: Lower incidence compared to the West, but rapid growth in Japan, South Korea, China, and India.
- Mortality concern: Higher death rates due to delayed diagnosis and limited access to advanced treatments in some countries.
- Risk factors: Age, genetics, diet, obesity, and lifestyle changes.
Surgery
Radical Prostatectomy
- Complete removal of the prostate gland.
- Open, laparoscopic, and robotic-assisted methods available.
- Robotic-assisted prostatectomy increasingly common in Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and urban centers in India.
Benefits
- Effective in localized cancer.
- Long-term cure potential.
Risks
- Urinary incontinence.
- Erectile dysfunction.
- Complications higher where surgical expertise is limited.
Radiotherapy
External Beam Radiotherapy (EBRT)
- Standard for localized or locally advanced prostate cancer.
- Advanced techniques: IMRT (Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy), SBRT (Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy), and Proton Therapy in Japan.
Brachytherapy (Internal Radiation)
- Radioactive seeds implanted directly into the prostate.
- Minimally invasive; growing adoption in Japan and China.
Hormonal Therapy (Androgen Deprivation Therapy, ADT)
- Rationale: Prostate cancer cells rely on testosterone for growth.
- Methods: LHRH agonists/antagonists (leuprolide, degarelix). Orchiectomy (surgical castration) still performed in low-resource settings.
Next-Generation Hormonal Agents
- Abiraterone, enzalutamide, apalutamide expanding access in Asia.
- Improved survival for advanced prostate cancer.
Chemotherapy
- Docetaxel remains the standard for metastatic prostate cancer.
- Used in combination with ADT for aggressive disease.
- Access varies widely; high cost limits availability in low-income regions.
Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy
PARP Inhibitors
- Effective for BRCA-mutated prostate cancer.
- Growing clinical adoption in Japan, China, and India.
Immunotherapy
- Sipuleucel-T (cancer vaccine) available in limited centers.
- Checkpoint inhibitors under clinical trials in Asia.
Regional Insights
- Japan & South Korea: Advanced robotics, proton therapy, and cutting-edge drugs widely available.
- China: Rapid growth in incidence; government expanding cancer centers.
- India: Major hub for prostate surgery and hormonal therapy, but affordability is key barrier.
- Southeast Asia: Awareness and screening rates remain low; late diagnoses common.
- Middle East: High prevalence of obesity contributing to rising cases.
Supportive and Palliative Care
- Pain management for bone metastases.
- Bisphosphonates and denosumab to strengthen bones.
- Psychological counseling for patients and families.
Future of Prostate Cancer Treatment in Asia
- AI-powered imaging for early detection.
- Precision medicine using genetic profiling.
- Liquid biopsies for non-invasive monitoring.
- Affordable biosimilars to expand access to advanced drugs.
- Community-based screening to detect cancer earlier.
Conclusion
Prostate cancer is a growing men’s health challenge in Asia, with cases expected to rise sharply in the coming decades. Surgery, radiotherapy, and hormonal therapy remain the core treatments, while next-generation hormonal agents, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy are transforming care in advanced cases.
The future of prostate cancer treatment in Asia depends on early detection, equitable access to advanced therapies, and policy support for affordable care. With sustained investment, Asia can significantly reduce mortality and improve survival outcomes for men facing this disease.
The MedCure Asia Editorial Team specializes in delivering accurate, well-researched health insights across Asia. Our mission is to provide readers with trusted guidance on medical conditions, treatments, and wellness practices.