Prostate Cancer and You

In this second of a two-part podcast episode, Dr. Todd Cohen discusses the role of PSMA PET imaging in prostate cancer active surveillance, highlighting its potential to replace invasive biopsies. Cohen emphasizes the importance of communication and family involvement in active surveillance protocols. Advanced imaging technologies are evolving, offering hope for less invasive and more effective cancer management. Dr. Todd Cohen earned his MD from the University of Rochester and completed a Urology residency at the Cleveland Clinic, followed by a fellowship at Duke. He founded Piedmont Urology in Charlotte, NC, and co-founded Carolina Urology Partners, serving as CEO for nine years. He held leadership roles at Myriad Genetics and currently serves as VP of Medical Affairs at Blue Earth Diagnostics.

In this first of a two-part podcast episode of “Prostate Cancer and You,” brought to you in part by Blue Earth Diagnostics, Dr. Todd Cohen, Blue Earth Diagnostics vice-president of medical affairs, discusses the practice of active surveillance in prostate cancer screening. Cohen explains the advancements in imaging, particularly PSMA PET scans, which have revolutionized prostate cancer detection. He also differentiates between active surveillance and watchful waiting, emphasizing the importance of individualized care and patient commitment in active surveillance. Dr. Todd Cohen earned his MD from the University of Rochester and completed a Urology residency at the Cleveland Clinic, followed by a fellowship at Duke. He founded Piedmont Urology in Charlotte, NC, and co-founded Carolina Urology Partners, serving as CEO for nine years. He held leadership roles at Myriad Genetics and currently serves as VP of Medical Affairs at Blue Earth Diagnostics.

Today’s “Prostate Cancer and You” podcast features Dr. Jean Joseph, chairman of the department of urology at the University of Rochester Medical Center and keynote at the May 2025 MPCC Symposium. In this conversation with host Jordan Rich, Dr. Joseph furthers his keynote topics, discussing the history, benefits, and future development of robotic surgery for prostate cancer. The technology, initially developed for cardiac surgery, is less invasive than traditional surgery and has significantly reduced complications and side effects, allowing for a quicker recovery. Jean V. Joseph, MD, is W.W. Scott Professor and chairman of the department of urology at the University of Rochester Medical Center. He specializes in robotic surgery for urologic diseases, particularly prostate cancer. His research interests include surgical innovation, applications of novel robotic technology, and patient outcomes. Dr. Joseph completed a master class in laparoscopic prostatectomy at the Institute Mutualiste Montsouris (Paris, France) and holds a master’s in business administration from the Rochester Institute of Technology.

In this second of a two-part podcast episode detailing new treatments for prostate cancer, Dr. Phillip Davis and Dr. Dan Stevens highlight the increasing accessibility of molecular imaging and radioligy and therapy across the US and the potential for earlier use of these technologies. They also discuss the promise of future advancements including personalized cancer treatments, the use of new radioactive isotopes, and the integration of AI in imaging and workflows. Both doctors stress the rapid developments in prostate cancer detection and treatment, encouraging patients to stay informed and involved in their care.

In this first of a two-part podcast episode, Dr. Phillip Davis and Dr. Dan Stevens follow up on the symposium topic of “New Treatments for Prostate Cancer.” In Part I, Dr. Philip Davis explains molecular imaging, which uses a low dose of radioactive medicine to detect cancer and other diseases early, as well as providing doctors with both anatomic and functional information on the cancer cells. Dr. Dan Stevens details radioligy and therapy, which uses radioactive isotopes to target cancer cells more precisely than traditional radiation therapy. Both technologies offer improved treatment options, enhancing patient outcomes.

Today’s podcast in the “Prostate Cancer and You” series features Dr. Preston Sprenkle, Associate Professor of Urology at Yale University, and Robert Palmer, a marketing executive and prostate cancer survivor. In this conversation with host Jordan Rich, Bob Palmer discusses his experience of incision-free ablation intervention as a cancer treatment. Here is a link to more details about Bob’s choice of ablation therapy using the TULSA Procedure: https://www.houstoniamag.com/sponsored/2024/04/pro-gives-men-with-prostate-disease-a-new-lease-on-life Thanks to Bob Palmer for sharing his story on this podcast, sponsored in part by Profound Medical. Learn more about Profound Medical and TULSA-PRO at https://profoundmedical.com/new-tulsa/.

Today’s podcast in the “Prostate Cancer and You” series features Dr. Fay Shtern, the president of AdMeTech Foundation. In this conversation, Dr. Shtern and host Jordan Rich discuss the AdMeTech Foundation’s Prostate Cancer Equity Program and how men in and out of Massachusetts can participate. For more information on AdMeTech Foundation and its Prostate Cancer Equity program, visit www.admetech.org.

Join us for a special edition of “Prostate Cancer and You,” a podcast in honor of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month 2024. In this episode, we dive into one man's personal journey, from active surveillance to cutting-edge PSMA PET technology, to shape his treatment plan. Since its establishment in 1999 and official recognition as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in 2003, this annual observance serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing fight against prostate cancer and the importance of staying informed. This podcast is brought to you in part by Blue Earth Diagnostics. For more information on POSLUMA, including the Important Safety Information and full Prescribing Information, visit www.posluma.com/patient.

Today’s podcast in the “Prostate Cancer and You” series, brought to you in part by Blue Earth Diagnostics, features Dr. David Yang, attending physician in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital/Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Dr. Todd Cohen, Blue Earth Diagnostics vice-president of medical affairs. This conversation further explores the topics presented in the MPCC symposium session “AI Approaches for Research and Treatment.”

Today’s podcast in the “Prostate Cancer and You” series, brought to you in part by Blue Earth Diagnostics, features filmmaker Landi Maduro, the producer of The Silent Killer: Prostate Cancer in the African American Community. Continuing the conversation from her podcast appearance last year, Landi and interviewer Jordan Rich discuss the story behind making the documentary, its continued relevance, and the power of film to communicate with audiences who might otherwise avoid discussing sensitive topics.

The latest MPCC podcast features John Colbert, Creative Director of Colbert Studios and son of MPCC founder Jack Colbert. John joined the MPCC board in November, and he is bringing his expertise to the organization as plans are underway for a new look, rebranding, and refined mission for the new year. In this conversation, he discusses the goals of the rebranding, including presenting MPCC as a “prostate cancer translator” and amplifying awareness of both the disease and available resources.

Listen to the latest MPCC podcast, brought to you in part by Blue Earth Diagnostics, as Mark Franklin, prostate cancer survivor, Alain Chaglassian, MD, MPH, Blue Earth Diagnostics, and Adam Kibel, MD, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and MPCC Medical Advisory Committee, discuss the history of imaging and provide more information on PMSA imaging for prostate cancer.

The third podcast in this series features Londi Maduro, a film maker in California. Her film The Silent Killer: Prostate Cancer in the African American Community explores the myths, fears, and concerns about the disease. It follows several men who are all battling prostate cancer, focusing on how they’re dealing with their diagnoses, what treatment they decided to pursue, and how the disease has affected their lives.

The second podcast in “Disparities, Awareness, and Access to Health Care in the African America community“ features Mark Kennedy from the Boston Public Health Commission and Dr. Jacques Carter from Beth Israel Lahey and a member of the MPCC Medical Advisory Committee as they discuss how government institutions and health care organizations can work together with patients, families and organizations like MPCC to create more favorable outcomes in prostate cancer diagnosis, treatment and longevity.

The first in a three-part series on “Disparities, Awareness, and Access to Health Care in the African American Community” features Archie Emmanuel Jr, Lamont Scott, and Brother Al from MOCHA (Men of Color Health Awareness) located in Springfield, Massachusetts. Listen to their own personal stories on the importance of prostate cancer awareness as well as the learning more about the services that MOCHA and its collaborators provide.

Thanks to Dr. Karen E. Knudsen, CEO of the American Cancer Society, for joining the MPCC podcast series, Prostate Cancer & You. In this interview. She provides an outstanding overview of ACS and the latest thinking and activities that she and her colleagues are undertaking with regard to prostate cancer.

In this sixth episode, Michael A. DiSpezio discusses Kegels (aka pelvic floor exercises) and their role in regaining urinary continence. Then, he takes a deeper dive into shared decision making, and why it is essential for all patients to be an active part of this critical process. Michael discusses the advantages of focal therapy (not appropriate for all) as he describes several ablation treatments including ultra-cold temperatures and a relatively new therapeutic option known as HIFU. Michael presents the difficulty in predicting disease progression and response to treatment. He concludes the series referencing the statistics that not only illustrate prostate cancer’s high survival rates, but also highlights the advantage to uncovering the cancer before it has spread to distant sites.

In this fifth episode, Michael A. DiSpezio discusses the quality of life and how it changed following radical prostatectomy. Michael explains the basic difference between external beam radiation and the implantation of radioactive seeds, what radiation does, and addresses the side effects associated with this type of treatment. He introduces hormone therapy and how it is sometimes used alongside of radiation treatment as a therapy for returning cancer. Michael concludes this podcast by profiling the importance of support groups and options available.

In this fourth episode, Michael A. DiSpezio addresses the first PSA test following surgery and what that means as far as the tumor’s spread. He then presents the basics of cancer in terms of cells and DNA. Then, Michael discusses the likelihood of a man getting prostate cancer and how this disease disproportionately impacts African American men. In addition, he explains why prostate illnesses are also a concern for transwomen. Next, he addresses the DRE, short for digital rectal exam. Finally, Michael concludes this segment with a critical explanation of Gleason patterns, Gleason score and the Gleason grade groups.

In this third episode, Michael addresses the concept of quality of life and how one’s choice of treatment impacts the future. He profiles his own challenges with post-operative side effects including urinary incontinence, bowel issues, erectile dysfunction and the emotional turmoil associated with treatments. He addresses the surgical pathology report and how the results are interpreted in terms of cancer’s spread and if indicated, further treatment. He concludes this segment addressing challenges in depression and his return to a normal life.