Prostate Tumor

What Is Prostate Cancer?

The prostate is a male-specific organ located below the bladder that surrounds the urethra. Prostate cancer develops in this gland and is one of the major cancers that has been increasing in Japan as well. In many cases it progresses relatively slowly, but as it advances it may spread to

• Lymph nodes
• Bones (especially the pelvis and spine)
• Distant organs such as the lungs and liver

Metastases to these sites may occur. In the early stages there are often few noticeable symptoms, and prostate cancer is commonly detected through PSA testing.

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Diagnostic Tests for Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is diagnosed using a combination of the following tests.

• PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test
• MRI
• Contrast-enhanced CT
• Prostate biopsy

MRI, in particular, allows detailed evaluation of:

• The location of the cancer
• Whether it has spread beyond the prostate
• The extent of spread into surrounding tissues

and other factors. At Yasumoto IVR Clinic, precise image interpretation by specialized diagnostic radiologists enables accurate assessment of how far the prostate cancer has progressed.

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Treatment of Prostate Cancer

Standard Treatments for Prostate Cancer

Treatment for prostate cancer is selected according to the stage of progression and risk classification.

• Hormone therapy (endocrine therapy)
• Radiation therapy
• Surgery (radical prostatectomy)

Hormone therapy and radiation therapy are often the mainstays of prostate cancer treatment, and it is important to determine a treatment plan according to each patient's condition and the characteristics of the cancer.

IVR Treatment at Yasumoto IVR Clinic

At our clinic, we appropriately incorporate minimally invasive interventional radiology (IVR) treatments according to the symptoms associated with prostate cancer.

Gold Marker Placement to Support Radiation Therapy

In radiation therapy, accurately identifying the position of the tumor is important for improving the precision of irradiation. At our clinic, when necessary, we place gold markers within the prostate as a same-day outpatient procedure to make it easier to confirm the target position during irradiation.

This provides the following advantages:

• Reduced misalignment of the irradiation position, enabling highly precise treatment
• Less impact on surrounding healthy tissue

These are the main advantages of this procedure.

While viewing CT images, a thin metal marker is placed in the exact position within a short time. This is effective for accurate radiation therapy afterward.

*Depending on the treatment equipment and method, gold markers may not be used.

IVR Treatment for Lymph Node Metastasis

In prostate cancer, metastasis to pelvic or retroperitoneal lymph nodes may occur. For localized lymph node metastases, our clinic combines

• Image-guided local therapy
• Catheter-based treatment

and other approaches to control the lesions.

About Lymph Node Metastasis

IVR Treatment for Bone Metastasis

Bone metastases are relatively common in prostate cancer and can cause pain and fractures, significantly affecting quality of life (QOL). At our clinic, we perform IVR-based local treatment and pain palliation for bone metastases, aiming to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.

IVR Treatment for Distant Metastasis

Advanced prostate cancer may involve metastases in multiple organs. At our clinic, by combining IVR-based local treatments according to the distribution and characteristics of the lesions, we aim to improve control of lesions that are difficult to manage with systemic therapy alone.

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Our Treatment Strategy

While prostate cancer generally progresses relatively slowly,

• Control of metastatic lesions
• Long-term disease management

are important. Through precise diagnostic imaging, IVR treatment, and coordination with radiation therapy, our clinic provides care tailored to each patient's condition and plays a role in supporting the overall course of treatment.

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When to Consult Us

• Those seeking a second opinion on prostate cancer treatment
• Those considering supportive procedures for radiation therapy (marker placement)
• Those considering treatments other than drug therapy for lymph node metastasis or bone metastasis
• Those considering local treatment that can be combined with hormone therapy

At our clinic, we provide care tailored to each patient's condition, including minimally invasive treatments using IVR.

If you have any questions about prostate cancer treatment, please feel free to contact us.

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Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

What Is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia?

The prostate is an organ that surrounds the urethra below the bladder. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition in which the prostate enlarges with age and compresses the urethra, causing urinary difficulties.

It is common in middle-aged and older men and increases with age.

Main symptoms:

• Weak urine flow (decreased urinary stream)
• Frequent urination (especially at night)
• A feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
• Interrupted urine flow
• A sudden, strong urge to urinate (urinary urgency)

If it progresses, it can lead to urinary retention (inability to urinate) or impaired kidney function.

Common Treatments

Treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia is selected according to the severity of symptoms.

• Drug therapy
• Endoscopic surgery (surgical resection of prostate tissue)

If symptoms do not improve with medication, surgery is considered; however,

• Bleeding
• Risks of general anesthesia
• Postoperative complications

and similar issues can pose challenges.

Catheter-Based Treatment (PAE) at Yasumoto IVR Clinic

At our clinic, we perform prostatic artery embolization (PAE), a minimally invasive catheter-based treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia.

PAE for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

A catheter is inserted into the arteries that supply the prostate in order to:

• Regulate blood flow to the prostate
• Gradually shrink the enlarged prostate

In this way, the treatment aims to reduce the size of the prostate and improve urinary symptoms.

PAE (prostatic artery embolization) in practice

(Reference) Bhatia S, et al. Prostatic Artery Embolization: Mid- to Long-Term Outcomes in 1,075 Patients.(J Vasc Inter Radiol 2025)

Features of PAE

• A minimally invasive treatment performed only through catheter manipulation via the skin
• Can be performed under local anesthesia
• Relatively low risk of bleeding
• Short hospital stay; same-day outpatient treatment is also possible
• Considered to have less impact on sexual function than surgery

Strengths of PAE at Our Clinic

The prostatic arteries are extremely thin and highly branched, requiring advanced catheter techniques and a thorough understanding of vascular anatomy.

At our clinic,

• Precise vessel selection by board-certified IVR specialists
• Superselective embolization using microcatheters
• Safe techniques that avoid non-target embolization

enable us to achieve both safety and therapeutic effectiveness.

When to Consult Us

• Those who do not obtain sufficient benefit from drug therapy
• Those who have been advised to undergo surgery but would prefer to avoid it
• Those at high surgical risk due to advanced age or comorbidities
• Those who wish to avoid bleeding risks (e.g., those taking anticoagulants)
• Those who prefer treatment with less physical burden

Our Treatment Policy

For benign prostatic hyperplasia, we comprehensively evaluate:

• Severity of symptoms
• Size of the prostate
• Overall health condition

and propose treatment options suited to each patient from among drug therapy, surgical treatment, and IVR treatment.

Treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia is selected according to the symptoms and overall condition.

At our clinic, we offer treatments that take the burden on the body into consideration, including prostatic artery embolization (PAE).

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

*The indication for this treatment is carefully determined based on each patient's condition and treatment history. It is not a treatment suitable for all patients.