A
Primer on Prostate Cancer
The Empowered Patient's
Guide
by Stephen B. Strum, MD & Donna Pogliano
Reviews
of
A Primer on Prostate Cancer
"A
MUST HAVE for any man (or spouse/partner) dealing with prostate cancer or anyone
looking to come up to speed quickly on the overwhelming complexities over prostate
cancer diagnosis and treatment. The well-researched and easily followed format
makes this a resource guide for patient empowerment and informed decision making.
An absolutely essential patient resource."
--
John A. Page, President and CEO, Us Too! International, Inc. Prostate Cancer Education
and Support
"Since
my own diagnosis and because my life since has been prostate cancer education,
I have read every book that I can get my hands on. From that experience, I can
say this is truly one of the most impressive reference books on prostate cancer
I have never seen. It is profusely illustrated [in color] which helps immensely,
for reading about prostate cancer is not easy and the Primer makes it as comfortable
as possible. Even the use of a larger type takes into consideration that most
men with prostate cancer are over 50, and we don't have the eyes of youth. The
combination of a doctor and an active partner of a man with the disease is a new
mix and it clearly works. I definitely recommend this book."
--Robert
Young, prostate cancer patient, Webmaster Phoenix5
"The
text itself it aimed at what I would term the "motivated reader." It is definitely
not written to 8th grade level; nor is it written like a paper in a scientific
journal. It is at varying levels. This is a book that should also reside on your
doctor's shelf."
--Gary
Ferdinand, Apex, NC, prostate cancer patient
"[The
book] is so unique, in so many ways: starting with the 'How To Use This Book'
and ending with the figures and tables of Appendix H, and the Index. The excellence
and thoroughness of the content, the illustrations, the organization of the book,
the ease of reading in understandable language--even the quality of the paper--absolutely
perfect. I have told my fellow prostate cancer patients, both old and new, 'Throw
away any other books you may have on prostate cancer. This is all you need.'"
--Bill
Buckman, prostate cancer patient
"This
is the book that I wish were available when my husband was diagnosed. Actually,
I wish it had been available when his urologist was trying to decide whether or
not my husband had prostate cancer. This aptly named Primer, which is beautifully
illustrated, covers in great detail everything from the intricacies of diagnosis
to decision making about treatment options. And it does it in such a way as to
educate and empower the reader/patient without frightening him/her to death….
I would recommend this manual as THE first book to read when confronted with the
prospect of prostate cancer. It is basic and thorough. Nothing is left unsaid."
--Anne
R. Brusca from Columbia, MD
"I
picked up your book at the Prostate Cancer Research Institute conference. It's
the best one out there. You've structured the various technical levels to let
the more advanced reader go as deep as he wants to, without making it too burdensome
for the novice reader. That's quite an accomplishment! Great work!"
--Ben
Parsons
"As
a six-year prostate cancer survivor and a facilitator for our local prostate cancer
support group, I have purchased 5 copies of the book for our resource library.
This is an excellent book for the newly diagnosed patient and provides the information
and important tools to help enable the reader to make the necessary decisions
regarding treatment options. The book contains the most current and relevant information
to help the patient make well informed decisions to help get the best of medical
care. It is well illustrated with many easy to follow diagrams and charts. It
also includes up to date websites to look for further information and help. If
you, or someone you love, have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, I strongly
recommend buying this book. In this book are found the nuts and bolts of what
the patient needs to "steer the course of (his) illness and ensure a safe passage."
--Howard
Waage from Santa Cruz, CA
"I
consider this book an absolute MUST READ for any man who has been diagnosed with
prostate cancer and is considering which treatment option would be best for him.
I was successfully treated in December 2001 and had this book been available at
that time, it would have relieved a lot of anxiety and provided me with a wealth
of knowledge on the subject. I have purchased this book and will study the contents
in depth so that I will be able to help others when the occasion arises."
--Peter
P. Voeller from Sarasota, Florida
"This
book captures all of the essential information and advice needed by someone newly
diagnosed with Prostate Cancer (PC). The dizzying array of PC information sources
available are reduced to their essence in a straightforward, readable format.
It is a comfort to the new PC victim and lays out the field in a scientifically
comprehensive yet comprehend-able style. It suggests crisp, strategic options
for analysis and treatment. This book will make you an informed partner with your
physician and give you a feeling of renewed control as you venture along your
personal trajectory to health. If you get only one reference book, make it this
one."
--A
reader from Boulder,CO
"This
is the book I wish I had had at the start of my three year journey as a PC survivor!
I've read at least a dozen other good books on PC, but this one is head and shoulders
above the others. The reason: it's central theme is that treatment strategy and
tactics need to be in synch with the biology of the patient's cancer and overall
biology and circumstances, such as age and other health issues. It goes far beyond
the current norm of providing descriptions of treatments and generalized odds
of success. It does this by explaining how to assess biology before and during
treatment, using: blood tests in addition to PSA like free PSA, ultrasensative
PSA, PAP, VEGF, pyrilinks dpd; tissue studies like ploidy, bcl-2, and p53; and
advanced imaging beyond the bone scan and often useless CT scan like the endo-rectal
MRI with spectroscopy, the fusion ProstaScint scan, and the quantitative CT scan
for bone density as contrasted to the commonly used DEXA scan. It explains what
these tests are like, why they are important in making treatment choices, and
what the numerical results mean, citing reference studies. For example, unfavorable
results on some tests, such as the PAP and VEGF tests, indicate that an RP, RT
or both are likely or unlikely to be successful. The book provides advice on keeping
records and provides outstanding examples of forms for summarizing key results.
"This
book will be of great value to doctors who are unfamiliar with developments beyond
their own specialties or local capabilities, such as the epidemic nature of loss
of bone density among PC patients, not just those on androgen deprivation therapy
(ADT, a.k.a. hormonal therapy), use of ultrasensitve and free PSA tests, use of
the fusion ProstaScint scan, and advances in intermittent ADT. It is particularly
strong in the ADT area, an area covered only superficially in many other books.
"All
this moves treatment to a higher level: beyond lightly informed preference supported
only by overall odds and side effects based on old data, to intelligent decisions
based on the patient's particular biology, then on preference.
"This
book will also keep current as it references key web sites that track developments
and provide advice to patients.
"I
anticipate the Primer will lead to a breakthrough advance in treatment decision-making.
I cannot recommend it highly enough!"
--Jim
Waldenfels from Annandale, VA
"As
a seven year prostate cancer survivor, I've read volumes about the subject and
believe I've maintained a certain level of up-to-date knowledge. I wish I had
read this book seven years ago. It is the most comprehensive, current, and easy
to read books on this subject that I've ever seen. Perfect for patient or partner,
newbie to Prostate Cancer Specialist. There is something here for everyone on
their own level."
--A
reader from Cape Coral, FL
"This
is not bedside reading, BUT--if you are living with prostate cancer or are a part
of someone's life who has prostate cancer--this is an excellent book regardless
of how much you THINK you already know or don't know. As a loving partner and
a health professional, I would highly recommend this as the FIRST book to buy
when beginning the "learning" part of the cancer journey."
--Anonymous
"As
a prostate cancer survivor of 8+ years I can say that without a doubt this book
contains information essential to anyone who wishes to take a active role in the
management of his prostate cancer or that of a loved one. It literally could be
a lifesaver. Prostate cancer is not universally well understood in the medical
community and it is one of the diseases that definitely benefits from strong action
on the part of the patient.
"The
book contains outstanding treatments of how prostate cancer is staged, the numerous
tests that can be done to determine staging, and the several treatments that are
currently, or will currently, be available. It is well illustrated. Color and
sidebars are used throughout to help direct attention to major points. References
to other works and to web sites exist for those inclined to do further study.
A glossary exists to help the reader understand the medical terms.
"What is
the value of one's life? What is the value of optimizing a man's treatment? Of
what value is knowledge to combat ignorance and to set a man's mind at ease? Answer:
Priceless.
"Get this book!"
--alaparos
from Raleigh, NC
"It's
a basic education on prostate cancer, primarily, but also goes beyond just the
basics, for those who want/need to know more.
"Well
written, truly informative, comprehensive, and covers everything you ever wanted
to know about prostate cancer but were afraid to ask!"
--Jim
K. from Detroit, M
"I
have received Dr. Stephen Strum's and Donna Pogliano's recently published book….
It is a good and very well illustrated compilation of many of the ideas, ideals,
recommendations and information featured in Dr. Strum's Internet advice at PCRI
and P2P. There is very basic information about prostate cancer as well as more
advanced biochemical and medical data. For the person who has been recently diagnosed
or who is just embarking on learning about his disease, as well as for physicians
and nurses who are not up to date on prostate cancer tests, treatments and empowered
patients, this is an excellent book. It also provides a good review of these subjects
for people such as me who are on this list and trying to keep up with anything
and everything related to prostate cancer--to be able to help not only my husband
but anyone I know who has or may develop this disease.
In
A Primer on Prostate Cancer, there are ten pages of 'Treatments on the
Horizon' such as Aptosyn, Provenge, Angiostatin, Endostatin, Atrasentan, oncolytic
viruses and antisense oligonucleotides. There is a good chapter on Resources,
which includes PCRI, Prostate Pointers, Phoenix 5, Cooleyville, CapCure, and many
others.
--Eva
Montgomery from HRPC support listserv
